Creating a Written Alphabet for the Cherokee

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Creating a Written Alphabet for the Cherokee American Experience

Premiered April 26, 2009

Creating a Written Alphabet for the Cherokee

Sequoyah invented a written language for the Cherokee.

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Episode Extras

Harry Oosahwee discusses the importance of using the Cherokee language in Trail of Tears.

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We Shall Remain: Cherokee Language

White Americans offered Native Americans equality -- if they became more like them.

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"Civilization" and Native Americans

In 1832 the United States Supreme Court recognized Cherokee sovereignity.

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Are the Cherokee an Independent Nation?

Sequoyah invented a written language for the Cherokee.

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Creating a Written Alphabet for the Cherokee

In May 1838 the United States began removing Cherokee from their homes in Georgia.

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Evacuating the Cherokee People

President Andrew Jackson supported moving Native Americans west of the Mississippi.

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President Jackson and the Indian Removal Bill

The effects of 1830s policies on Native Americans are still felt today.

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The Consequences of the Trail of Tears

The Trail of Tears march caused the death of more than 4,000 Cherokee people.

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What Was the Trail of Tears?

The 1836 treaty of New Echota required the Cherokee to move out west.

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Will the Cherokee Be Exiled?

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American Experience

American Experience, TV's most-watched history series, brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

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