Cherokee Renascence in the New Republic

by William Gerald McLoughlin

The Cherokees, the most important tribe in the formative years of the American Republic, became the test case for the Founding Fathers' determination to Christianize and "civilize" all Indians and to incorporate them into the republic as full citizens. From the standpoint of the Cherokees, rather than from that of the white policymakers, William McLoughlin tells the dramatic success story of the "renascence" of the tribe. He goes on to give a full account of how the Cherokees eventually fell before the expansionism of white America and the zeal of Andrew Jackson.

Genres: History, Native American

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

William Gerald McLoughlin was an historian and prominent member of the history department at Brown University from 1954 to 1992. His subject areas were the history of religion in the United States, revivalism, the Cherokee, missionaries to Native Americans, abolitionism, and Rhode Island.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exhaustively detailed. A great overview if the Cherokees' attempts and successes at renewal and confronting the threats that surrounded them before Indian removal policy and the diffidence of white allies overwhelmed them. A great look into the inner workings of Cherokee politics and society.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

William McLoughlin offers one of the first looks at Cherokee society in his work on the evolution of the Cherokee tribe. This book takes the Cherokees through the early part of the American republic up through removal. Using journals and letters from Indian agents the book traces what happened to the tribe as the "civilization" efforts of the United States government were unleashed. The book tracks what changed in the nation from property rights, to gender roles, to the missionary work being conducted. Encroachment of settlers, states rights, and federal policy all played a role in shaping the outcome of one of the tribes that was seen as the "five civilized nations". Overall the book is well done, thorough and provide a unique insight into what happened to the Cherokees.

[Greg Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference for the relations between the Cherokee, white settlers and the American government. Very detailed. I was discussing this book with a friend and she said, "By late 1820's [the end of the book] everything has just fallen apart." Reminded me of Achebe's book and how cultures 'fall apart' when certain stresses and influences are brought upon them. It was depressing to the point where you start laughing.

My only problem is with the title. I don't think the word renaissance applies to what you would call what happened to the Cherokee, cultural genocide is a lot better word, or two.

[Allison Thurman]

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