Discovery Channel - How the West Was Lost (DC) (1995) Part 8 The Trail of Tears

Witness the tragic fall of the great Indian nations. Share the tales of the “conquering” of the American West from the Native American perspective. How The West Was Lost is a series about the westward expansion of colonialists across the North American continent during the latter half of the 19th Century from the experience and point of of view of the Native American peoples. It is the story of how mutual misunderstanding, incomprehension and differing viewpoints contributed to bring into conflict an expanding nation and the land's indigenous population. Each episode examines a separate tribe or battle and features interviews with descendants of legendary Native American warriors.

Part 8 The Trail of Tears

George Washington protected Cherokee land, but under Adams and Jefferson they are forced to give up land in 25 different cessions. They chose to understand and adopt some of the white man's culture to help stop encroachment. They welcome Christianity, make their government resemble that of the United States, invent an alphabet, establish a Supreme Court and publish a newspaper. But in 1830, under President Jackson, Congress passes the Indian Removal Bill. The Cherokee resist. A furious attack ensues. By 1835 all Cherokee land east of the Mississippi is taken from them. An estimated 4,000 Cherokee die as they are imprisoned to prepare for the Removal. This tragic event is known as The Trail of Tears.

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