An American Betrayal: Cherokee Patriots and the Trail of Tears

by Daniel Blake Smith

The fierce battle over identity and patriotism within Cherokee culture that took place in the years surrounding the Trail of Tears Though the tragedy of the Trail of Tears is widely recognized today, the pervasive effects of the tribe's uprooting have never been examined in detail. Despite the Cherokees' efforts to assimilate with the dominant white culture―running their own newspaper, ratifying a constitution based on that of the United States―they were never able to integrate fully with white men in the New World. In An American Betrayal , Daniel Blake Smith's vivid prose brings to life a host of memorable the veteran Indian-fighter Andrew Jackson, who adopted a young Indian boy into his home; Chief John Ross, only one-eighth Cherokee, who commanded the loyalty of most Cherokees because of his relentless effort to remain on their native soil; most dramatically, the dissenters in Cherokee country―especially Elias Boudinot and John Ridge, gifted young men who were educated in a New England academy but whose marriages to local white girls erupted in racial epithets, effigy burnings, and the closing of the school. Smith, an award-winning historian, offers an eye-opening view of why neither assimilation nor Cherokee independence could succeed in Jacksonian America.

Genres: History, Native American, Nonfiction, American History, Native Americans

336 pages, Hardcover

First published November 8, 2011

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book, borderline 5 star. His research indicates that many of the previous historic writers assessing this incident in history, within the context of the political environment in the country at that time, really misjudged the options available to the Cherokee leadership. The President wanted the indians out, for a variety of reasons, and he had enough votes to get what he wanted. The treaty party had the right idea, for the preservation of the Cherokee people, and the stubborness of the non-treaty leadership ended up making the situation much worse than it otherwise might have been, while enriching themselves in the process. The only downside for me in this book was that the maps could have been better, and that would have made following the Trail of Tears easier.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, but does not make you feel good about our history as a nation.

[Danielle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an eye opening book. I knew about the Trail of Tears but had no clue as to how or why it exactly happened.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, by far, one of the very best researched books on the Cherokee nation that I have ever read. There is information here that I had never heard nor read before. The book's central question is this: is to be a true patriot mean looking out for the homeland, or the people that reside in that homeland? Here we have the crossroads between John Ross and Elias Boudinot and Major and John Ridge. Much detail and historical research is given on the days leading up to the Treaty of New Echota and then the Trail of Tears, with the multitude of source documents listed at the end of the book. For the first time in my life, I saw another side to Boudinot and the Ridges. Although I still do not agree with their actions, I can understand what motivated them--with more accuracy than before. All in all, the real culprit in this sad era of American history is the racist Andrew Jackson along with the state of Georgia at that time. (pre-read for teaching Georgia history. For HH to read if time allows; check out again at a later date; DRL CALL number: 975.004 Smith, Daniel)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, rarely told history of the events and ideologies leading up to and following the Trail of Tears march. Little is mentioned, however, about the march itself - simply a chapter that's about ten pages long.

[Miles Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good overview of the various tribal factions in the Cherokee nation and the history leading up to Indian removal and the Trail of Tears.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Smith's book is an important addition to Cherokee historical literature. Rather than simply listing who did what to whom and when -> he asks the question: what does the Trail-of-Tears mean today? For "...contemporary Cherokees, the primacy of place endures". Smith contrasts how the native american's identity (indeed their very language pattern) is more a concept of 'where' rather than European's identity concept of 'when'. In order to fully grasp the significance of the Trail-of-Tears, Smith shows that it is necessary to grasp ample background info.

[Anna Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and nuanced analysis on Cherokee land and the Trail of Tears. Included historical context as well as descriptions of the many influential Cherokee leaders involved in the contemporary political and cultural changes.

[Josh Gering · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a depressing story. The story of a nation whose borders white settlers refused to respect, and of their internal strife on whether to save their people or save their land. They were given no choice really. Their land would be taken whether they agreed or not.

[Timothy Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an exciting and interesting book about the politics of the Cherokee Nation during the most difficult part of their history. I would recommend it to anyone that would want to know a more detailed part of Cherokee history.

[Walter Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has some interesting new information about the Ridges and Elias Boudinot, but I would not recommend it as the first book anyone reads regarding the Trail of Tears.

[Jared Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book. Showed what a disgusting racist shithole has been since it's founding. And fuck Andrew Jackson.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read. I had heard of the Trail of Tears but had no knowledge of everything that lead to it. This was a good foundation read for gaining more knowledge.

[Ownbymom Ownby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is an historian turned screenplay writer, which is both positive and negative. On the one hand, the focus is very personal: we know a lot about persons rather than a lot about a people. Smith adds many direct quotes, for example, which add color and a sense of personal urgency. On the other hand, Smith does not shy away from drawing a conclusion which may not be fully warranted but adds a lot to the story. Because the story of the Cherokee removal is so dramatic on its own, any dramatic supposition just seems unnecessary. Finally, it's difficult to avoid taking sides in the story. Who chose best: the Treaty Party or the National Party? A solid history always wants to fully explore all points of view. Smith does this well until recounting the assassinations after removal, when it seems that his support for the Treaty Party just cannot be held back any more. This is not a negative thing by itself, but it's the place where earlier dramatic license becomes problematic.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

haven't finished as yet but need to know this history as I am living in the area where a lot of it happened.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice, concise history of a terrible series of events. The author struck a nice balance between weaving the events together into a logical flow and staying neutral.

[Miranda Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative look into a sad chapter in American history where the dominate culture forced another culture to bend to its will.

[Jianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I honestly could not finish this book, nor to I anticipate a future attempt to do so. I am not sure of the exact reason, but I just could not become invested in this book.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book