Answer:
In short, the author believes moving west was bad for the Cherokee people because it resulted in:
- Forced displacement from their ancestral lands.
- Extreme hardship and loss of life during the journey west.
- Loss of autonomy and sovereignty as a nation.
- Disruption of their cultural practices and communities.
- Imposition of historical injustice and long-lasting trauma on their people.
Answer:
Explanation:
The author likely believes that moving west will be bad for the Cherokee people due to several factors:
1. **Loss of Homeland**: Moving west would mean leaving behind their ancestral lands in the Southeastern United States. The Cherokee had established communities, cultural ties, and historical connections to their land, which held significant spiritual and practical value.
2. **Disruption of Community**: Forced relocation would disrupt Cherokee communities and societal structures that had been established over generations. Families would be separated, traditional governance systems would be undermined, and communal ties would be strained.
3. **Environmental and Adaptation Challenges**: Moving to unfamiliar territories in the West would present environmental challenges. The climate, terrain, and resources would differ from what they were accustomed to in the Southeast. This could make it difficult for the Cherokee people to adapt and thrive in their new environment.
4. **Conflict and Uncertainty**: Moving west would likely bring the Cherokee into contact with other Indigenous nations already living in those regions, as well as with settlers and the United States government. This could lead to conflicts over land, resources, and sovereignty, further exacerbating the hardships faced by the Cherokee.
5. **Loss of Autonomy and Control**: The forced relocation was part of a broader policy of assimilation and removal imposed by the U.S. government. It represented a loss of autonomy and control over their own destinies for the Cherokee people, who were being coerced into abandoning their way of life and adapting to the demands of settler society.
Overall, the author's perspective on why moving west would be detrimental to the Cherokee people reflects a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental factors involved. It underscores the profound impact of forced relocation on Indigenous communities and their struggles to maintain their identities, cultures, and lands in the face of colonial expansionism.
