Native Americans in Georgia SS8H5 - The student will explain significant factors that affected the development of Georgia as part of the growth of the U.S. between 1789 & 1840. D. Analyze the events that led to the removal of Creeks & Cherokees including the roles of Alexander McGillivray, William McIntosh, Sequoyah, John Ross, Dahlonega Gold Rush, Worcester v. Georgia, Andrew Jackson, John Marshall, & the Trail of Tears

The Creek _Fourteen (14)_ tribes with names such as Yamacraw, Yamasee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, Chiaha, and Apalachicola made up the Creek _Confederacy_. The real name for the Creek was _Muscogee, and they were known for being brave and carrying on the ways of their fathers. Alexander McGillivray & William McIntosh were leaders of the Creek Nation

Alexander McGillivray Leader of the Upper Creek, worked to protect Creek Land Attacked settlers in the Oconee War to make them leave land President Washington called Chief McGillivray to New York Signed Treaty of New York – Creek ceded land for defense of territorial rights U.S. declares war on Britain for giving weapon to the Creek Indians (War of 1812). Upper Creeks side with British. General Andrew Jackson led U.S. troops against Creeks in 1814. Creeks were defeated.

William McIntosh Leader of Lower Creek, paid a bribe to cede the last lands in Georgia to the Federal Government Creek groups were upset with McIntosh. They went to his home and executed him. In 1828, Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States. He knew white voters wanted Native Americans removed from the southern states. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act that called for all Native Americans to be moved to the western territories. In 1837, all land given up & Creeks were forced to Oklahoma Territory

Taught farming techniques Cherokee Considered the most advanced tribe Changes began after American Revolution – Cherokee fought against Americans; Britain no longer there to help Cherokee Congress treated them as “conquered enemies” Moved to northern GA – Cherokee Nation – New Echota Taught farming techniques 2. Agents sent to live with them- given animals, plows & tools. Needed to be “civilized” – change of dress, follow written code of law, read & write English – Cherokee resisted Christianity, but accepted education, tools and training

Cherokee Nation Support Civilization Best way to survive Sequoyah (George Gist) created written language (syllabary – a group of symbols that stand for whole syllables 85 characters, 1 for each syllable). Name meant “lonely lame one”. 1st step toward learning how to read 1828, Cherokee Phoenix began – their own newspaper printed nation’s law, local & world news, human interest & ads Elias Boudinot was editor

Cherokee Leaders & Law Cherokee Council Protected people & property Decided criminal cases Cherokee Nation divided into 8 districts which sent representatives to the Council. Council tells U.S. they will cede no more land. Light Horse Guard – National police force Cherokee Constitution – Like U.S. composed of written code of law to help protect their property rights defined boundaries of Cherokee Nation land belonged to all & decisions about land needed tribal approval.

John Ross – leader of Cherokee Nation John Ross took a petition to Congress with 15,000 signatures, 90% of the Cherokee, to protest Indian Removal He wanted Cherokee protected & the terms of past treaties honored

Cherokee Forced from Georgia Gold discovered in Dahlonega – name means “golden” - 1829 Dahlonega Gold Rush Cherokee knew there was gold, Benjamin Parks found gold GA Legislature passed law that placed Cherokee land under state control Declared Cherokee law null and void. 2nd law passed refusing Cherokee rights to gold.

Cherokee Forced from Georgia Worcester v. Georgia – Supreme Court rules Georgia laws not valid Involved missionaries living with Cherokee ordered to take oath of allegiance to Georgia or leave – some refuse Those that refused were sentenced 4 years in prison Samuel Worcester named in lawsuit John Marshall, chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, ruled Cherokee Nation did not have to follow Georgia laws President Andrew Jackson tells Georgia to ignore court ruling.

Cherokee Forced from Georgia Major Ridge – Cherokee leader, believed in negotiations Ridge, his son & Boudinot are executed for signing treaty without approval of entire Cherokee Nation

Georgia to Oklahoma known as the “Trail of Tears” Some U.S. leaders tried to help Cherokee maintain their land U.S. troops led by Gen. Winfield Scott forcibly removed Cherokee Georgia to Oklahoma known as the “Trail of Tears” 4,000 Cherokee die from cold, sickness, or starvation