Why Were The Five Civilized Tribes Called Civilized

Okay, here's a comprehensive article that dives into the reasons why the "Five Civilized Tribes" earned that controversial moniker, exploring the complexities and historical context surrounding the term:

The Complex Legacy: Why Were the Five Civilized Tribes Called "Civilized?"

The term "Five Civilized Tribes" evokes a complex and often troubling history. It refers to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole nations, who were labeled as such by European settlers and the United States government in the 18th and 19th centuries. But why were these particular tribes singled out and deemed "civilized"? The answer lies in a combination of factors, deeply intertwined with colonialism, cultural assimilation, and the relentless pursuit of land and resources. Understanding the nuances behind this label requires a critical examination of the historical context and the motivations of those who bestowed it.

The story of the Five Civilized Tribes is one of adaptation, resilience, and ultimately, tragic displacement. While the label itself is fraught with problematic implications, it's crucial to understand the specific attributes and actions that led to its application. This understanding allows us to grapple with the complexities of cultural interaction, the devastating impact of U.S. expansionism, and the enduring legacy of these nations.

A History of Contact and Adaptation

The arrival of Europeans in North America marked a turning point for Indigenous populations. The tribes of the Southeast, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole, were among the first to experience sustained contact with European traders, missionaries, and settlers.

Early interactions were driven by trade, particularly in deerskins. This exchange brought European goods – tools, weapons, textiles – into Indigenous communities, gradually altering their economies and ways of life. However, it also introduced devastating diseases, such as smallpox and measles, which decimated populations and disrupted social structures.

As European settlement intensified, pressure on Indigenous lands increased. The tribes of the Southeast found themselves caught between competing colonial powers – Spain, France, and Great Britain – each vying for control of the region. To navigate this complex landscape, these tribes engaged in diplomacy, forging alliances and treaties to protect their interests.

The Attributes of "Civilization": A Eurocentric Perspective

The label "civilized" was not bestowed upon these tribes out of genuine respect or admiration. Instead, it reflected a deeply ingrained Eurocentric worldview that equated civilization with adherence to European norms and values. The attributes that were deemed indicative of "civilization" included:

• Agriculture: The Five Civilized Tribes were primarily agricultural societies, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash. This sedentary lifestyle was seen as more "civilized" than the nomadic hunting practices of some other tribes.
• Written Language: The Cherokee, under the leadership of Sequoyah, developed their own syllabary in the early 19th century. This remarkable achievement allowed the Cherokee to codify their language, publish newspapers, and translate religious texts.
• Formal Education: Missionaries established schools in tribal lands, providing education in English and European subjects. Some members of the tribes also attended colleges and universities in the United States and Europe.
• Written Constitutions and Laws: Inspired by the U.S. Constitution, the Five Civilized Tribes adopted written constitutions and legal codes. These documents established representative governments, defined citizenship, and codified laws relating to property, crime, and other matters.
• Market Economies: The tribes engaged in trade with both Europeans and Americans, participating in market economies and accumulating wealth. Some members of the tribes became successful planters, merchants, and entrepreneurs.
• Christianity: While traditional spiritual beliefs remained strong, many members of the Five Civilized Tribes converted to Christianity, often adopting European forms of worship and church governance.
• European Style Dress and Homes: Many members of these tribes, particularly those of mixed ancestry or who had greater contact with European culture, adopted European style clothing and built homes that resembled those of white settlers.

It's important to recognize that these attributes were not inherently superior or more desirable. They were simply different from the traditional practices of many other Indigenous tribes. The label "civilized" implied a hierarchy, with European culture at the top and other cultures ranked according to their perceived resemblance to it.

The Cherokee Syllabary: A Testament to Innovation

The creation of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah is a remarkable story of intellectual achievement and cultural preservation. Sequoyah, also known as George Gist, was a Cherokee silversmith who, in the early 19th century, became fascinated by the written word. He realized that writing gave white settlers a distinct advantage, allowing them to communicate over long distances, record information, and create laws and treaties.

Sequoyah dedicated years to developing a system of writing for the Cherokee language. He initially experimented with pictographs, but soon realized that this approach was too cumbersome. He then devised a syllabary, in which each symbol represents a syllable rather than a single letter.

After years of work, Sequoyah completed his syllabary in 1821. It consisted of 86 characters, each representing a different syllable in the Cherokee language. The syllabary was relatively easy to learn, and within a few years, a large percentage of the Cherokee population was literate.

The Cherokee syllabary had a profound impact on Cherokee society. It allowed the Cherokee to preserve their language, culture, and history in written form. It also enabled them to publish newspapers, translate the Bible, and create their own legal documents. The Cherokee Phoenix, the first newspaper published in a Native American language, began publication in 1828, using the syllabary to spread news and information throughout the Cherokee Nation.

The Dark Side of "Civilization": Assimilation and Removal

The U.S. government's policy towards the Five Civilized Tribes was one of assimilation. The goal was to encourage or force these tribes to adopt European-American culture and become integrated into the United States. This policy was driven by a desire to acquire Indigenous lands and resources, as well as a belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior to European culture.

While some members of the Five Civilized Tribes embraced assimilation, others resisted it. They sought to maintain their traditional ways of life, even as they adopted certain aspects of European culture. However, resistance was met with increasing pressure from the U.S. government and white settlers.

In the 1830s, President Andrew Jackson implemented a policy of Indian Removal, which aimed to forcibly relocate all Indigenous tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the president to negotiate treaties with Indigenous tribes, offering them land in the West in exchange for their lands in the East.

The Five Civilized Tribes resisted removal, arguing that they had a right to their ancestral lands. The Cherokee Nation even took its case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor in the case of Worcester v. Georgia (1832). However, President Jackson refused to enforce the Court's decision, famously declaring, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it."

Despite their resistance, the Five Civilized Tribes were eventually forced to relocate to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). The removal process was brutal and inhumane. The tribes were rounded up by soldiers, forced to leave their homes with little or no notice, and marched hundreds of miles to their new lands. Thousands of people died from disease, starvation, and exposure during the journey, which became known as the Trail of Tears.

The Trail of Tears: A National Tragedy

The Trail of Tears stands as a stark reminder of the injustice and suffering inflicted upon the Five Civilized Tribes. The forced removal of these nations from their ancestral lands was a direct result of the U.S. government's policy of Indian Removal, driven by greed for land and a disregard for Indigenous rights.

The Cherokee Nation suffered the most during the Trail of Tears. In 1838, U.S. soldiers forcibly removed more than 16,000 Cherokee people from their homes in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. They were marched over 800 miles to Indian Territory, with little food, clothing, or shelter. An estimated 4,000 Cherokee people died during the journey, representing approximately 25% of the Cherokee population.

The other Five Civilized Tribes also experienced immense suffering during removal. The Choctaw were the first to be removed, beginning in 1831. They were followed by the Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole. Each tribe faced its own unique challenges during the removal process, but all suffered from disease, starvation, and exposure.

The Trail of Tears had a devastating impact on the Five Civilized Tribes. It not only resulted in the loss of thousands of lives but also disrupted their social structures, economies, and cultural traditions. The trauma of removal continues to affect these tribes to this day.

The Legacy of the "Civilized" Label: A Critical Reassessment

The term "Five Civilized Tribes" is now widely recognized as problematic and outdated. It reflects a biased and Eurocentric view of civilization, and it ignores the rich cultural diversity and resilience of Indigenous peoples. The label also obscures the fact that the Five Civilized Tribes were subjected to forced removal and other injustices, despite their efforts to adapt to European-American culture.

Today, the descendants of the Five Civilized Tribes are working to reclaim their history and culture. They are preserving their languages, revitalizing their traditions, and asserting their sovereignty. They are also challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that have long been associated with Indigenous peoples.

It is important to remember that the Five Civilized Tribes were not simply passive recipients of the "civilized" label. They were active agents in their own history, adapting to changing circumstances, resisting oppression, and preserving their cultural identities. Their story is a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of adversity.

The Enduring Impact and Contemporary Relevance

The legacy of the Five Civilized Tribes extends far beyond the historical context of the 18th and 19th centuries. Their story continues to resonate today, informing discussions about Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and the ongoing struggle for self-determination.

The Five Civilized Tribes have played a significant role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of Oklahoma. They are major employers, providing jobs and economic opportunities to both tribal members and non-tribal members. They also operate schools, hospitals, and other social services, contributing to the well-being of their communities.

Furthermore, the Five Civilized Tribes are actively involved in preserving their languages and cultures. They offer language immersion programs, cultural events, and educational resources to promote the understanding and appreciation of their heritage. They are also working to reclaim artifacts and cultural items that were taken from them during the removal era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Why is the term "Five Civilized Tribes" considered problematic?
  • A: Because it reflects a Eurocentric view of civilization and ignores the cultural diversity and resilience of Indigenous peoples. It also obscures the injustices they faced despite their efforts to assimilate.
• Q: What was the Trail of Tears?
  • A: The forced removal of the Five Civilized Tribes from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) in the 1830s. Thousands died during the journey due to disease, starvation, and exposure.
• Q: How did the Cherokee develop a written language?
  • A: Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith, invented a syllabary consisting of 86 characters, each representing a different syllable in the Cherokee language.
• Q: What is the status of the Five Civilized Tribes today?
  • A: They are sovereign nations with their own governments, laws, and cultural institutions. They are actively involved in preserving their languages, cultures, and traditions.
• Q: What can we learn from the story of the Five Civilized Tribes?
  • A: We can learn about the complexities of cultural interaction, the devastating impact of colonialism, and the importance of respecting Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Conclusion

The story of the Five Civilized Tribes is a complex and often tragic one. The label "civilized" was a product of its time, reflecting a Eurocentric worldview that valued assimilation over cultural preservation. While the tribes did adopt certain aspects of European-American culture, they did so in an effort to survive and maintain their sovereignty. The forced removal of these tribes from their ancestral lands was a grave injustice that continues to have repercussions today.

By understanding the history of the Five Civilized Tribes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and cultural richness of Indigenous peoples. We can also learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a more just and equitable future. The legacy of the "Five Civilized Tribes" challenges us to critically examine our own assumptions about civilization and to respect the diversity of human cultures. What are your thoughts on the complexities of this historical period? How can we better honor the legacy of these resilient nations?