Exiled to Oklahoma, the five tribes sought to rebuild among hostile surroundings.
This week, we have begun a brief examination of the after effects of the Trail of Tears. If the virtual death march was not destructive enough, the years of resettlement nearly destoyed the five tribes of the southeast. Here we have laid the groudwork for the rationale behind native support for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. This is not to say that the sole reason behind Indian involvement in the confederate cause was the mistreatment of the American government in the years prior to the rebellion. There were other factors to consider--there are always other factors in objective research. This is why this week's examination will have to conclude next week, as there are too many variables to take into account for a proper exploration of the subject. As a matter of form, it should be noted that my representation of Native Americans strives to be objective...one cannot ignore the facts, however, and at times these articles may seem overly sympathetic. If this is so for the reader, than my research has only revealed the truth. In the coming weeks, you will see a shift in the geographic location of these articles, but the tone is dictated by history.
