Cherokee

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HIS 131—Document Analysis #3

Your Name: ____________________

Title of Document: The Cherokees Resist Removal, 1830

(**It is the second document contained in the PDF.**)

• Due Date: by 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025

• Points: 50

• Directions: Please read “The Cherokees Resist Removal” and then answer the following

questions. For questions 3 through 10, please use complete sentences.

1. When was the document created?

2. Who created or authored the document? I have provided the answer.

The author was a representative of the tribe. While it is possible to get a more specific answer,

the identity of the author is not mentioned in this excerpt.

3. In your own words, please summarize the document. What is the main claim (or claims)

presented in the document? What evidence is presented to support the claim(s)?

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4. In the beginning of the document, the author wrote, “We are aware, that some persons

suppose it will be for our advantage to remove beyond the Mississippi. We think otherwise. Our

people universally think otherwise.” Why was it important for the author to include this

statement in the appeal?

5. What do you think was the Cherokee’s strongest argument against removal? Please explain

your rationale.

6. According to the author, if the Cherokee agreed to relocate beyond the Mississippi, “they

have nothing to expect hereafter but to be the victims of a future legalized robbery!” What did

this statement mean?

7. According to the author, how had the Cherokee been described by others? Conversely, how

did the author respond to such descriptions?

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8. Who was the intended audience for the document at the time it was written?

9. Why was this appeal written? What was the motive?

10. What did Indian Removal highlight about governmental attitudes toward Native Americans?

• Based, in part, on the “Written Document Analysis Worksheet” created by the Education Staff, National Archives and Records

Administration.