What happened when the british gave the cherokee guns?

What Happened When the British Gave the Cherokee Guns?

In the early 18th century, the British colonial government in North America made a significant decision that would have far-reaching consequences for the Cherokee Nation: they gave the Cherokee tribe guns. This decision may seem innocuous at first glance, but it had a profound impact on the balance of power in the region and ultimately contributed to the displacement and suffering of the Cherokee people.

The Background

Prior to the arrival of European colonizers, the Cherokee lived in the southeastern United States, primarily in what is now Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. They were a powerful and influential tribe, with a complex society and a rich cultural heritage. The Cherokee were skilled hunters and warriors, and they had a long history of conflict with neighboring tribes.

In the early 18th century, the British colonial government began to expand its territories in North America, and the Cherokee found themselves caught in the middle of a complex web of alliances and rivalries between European powers. The British sought to establish trade relationships with the Cherokee and to secure their loyalty, and they offered the tribe guns and other goods in exchange for their friendship.

The Consequences

The introduction of guns to the Cherokee had several significant consequences. Firstly, it changed the dynamics of warfare in the region. Prior to the arrival of guns, battles between tribes were often fought with bows and arrows, clubs, and other traditional weapons. The introduction of firearms gave the Cherokee a significant advantage in combat, allowing them to inflict greater casualties on their enemies.

Secondly, the availability of guns led to an increase in violence and bloodshed in the region. With their new weapons, the Cherokee were able to launch more effective raids on their enemies, and the frequency and intensity of battles increased. This led to a significant rise in violence and death tolls in the region.

Thirdly, the introduction of guns had a profound impact on the social and economic structures of the Cherokee Nation. The availability of guns led to a shift in the distribution of wealth and power within the tribe. Those who had access to guns, such as the tribal leaders and the wealthy, were able to use them to expand their power and influence. This led to social unrest and conflict within the tribe, as those who did not have access to guns felt left behind and disadvantaged.

The Treaty of 1761

In 1761, the British and the Cherokee signed the Treaty of Long-Island, also known as the Treaty of Savannah. This treaty marked the beginning of a period of close cooperation between the British and the Cherokee, during which the British provided the Cherokee with guns and other goods in exchange for their loyalty and support.

The treaty also established a system of trade and commerce between the British and the Cherokee, with the British providing goods such as cloth, metal tools, and firearms, and the Cherokee providing furs, deerskins, and other natural resources. The treaty was significant because it marked the beginning of a period of British influence over the Cherokee Nation.

The Impact on the Cherokee Nation

The introduction of guns and the Treaty of 1761 had a profound impact on the Cherokee Nation. The tribe became increasingly dependent on the British for goods and supplies, and this dependence led to a loss of autonomy and self-sufficiency. The tribe also became more susceptible to external influences and pressures, including the influence of European colonizers and the expansion of the United States.

The Legacy

The decision by the British to give the Cherokee guns had far-reaching consequences for the tribe. It contributed to the displacement and suffering of the Cherokee people, as they were eventually forced to cede their lands to the United States government. The tribe was forcibly removed from their ancestral lands, leading to the Trail of Tears, one of the most tragic and devastating events in American history.

Conclusion

The decision by the British to give the Cherokee guns was a significant turning point in the history of the tribe. It marked the beginning of a period of British influence over the Cherokee Nation, and it contributed to the displacement and suffering of the tribe. The legacy of this decision can still be seen today, as the Cherokee Nation continues to struggle with the aftermath of this event.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1715: The British begin to trade with the Cherokee, providing goods such as cloth, metal tools, and firearms in exchange for furs, deerskins, and other natural resources.
• 1761: The British and the Cherokee sign the Treaty of Long-Island, also known as the Treaty of Savannah, establishing a system of trade and commerce between the two nations.
• 1776: The United States declares independence from Britain, and the Cherokee are forced to choose between supporting the British or the Americans.
• 1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing the independence of the United States.
• 1791: The United States government begins to exert pressure on the Cherokee to cede their lands, leading to the Trail of Tears.

Table: Treaty of 1761

Bullets List: Consequences of the Treaty

• Increased violence and bloodshed in the region
• Shift in the distribution of wealth and power within the tribe
• Increased dependence on the British for goods and supplies
• Loss of autonomy and self-sufficiency
• Susceptibility to external influences and pressures