Question

excerpt from “An Address to the Whites” by Elias Boudinot adapted for educational purposes Elias Boudinot was a prominent member of the Cherokee Nation and the editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper. Boudinot made this speech at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia on May 26, 1826. Boudinot describes similarities between Native Americans and whites and explains the Cherokees’ progress in adopting aspects of culture such as literacy, government, and organized religion. In light of their accomplishments and to further their goals, Boudinot is seeking funding for a printing press and a seminary (religious training center). To those who are unacquainted with the manners, habits, and improvements of the Aborigines of this country, the term Indian is pregnant with ideas the most repelling and degrading. But such impressions, originating as they frequently do, from infant prejudices do great injustices to many of this race of beings. Some there are, perhaps even in this enlightened assembly, who at the bare sight of an Indian, or at the mention of the name, would throw back their imaginations to ancient times, to the ravages of savage warfare, thus creating an opinion, inapplicable and highly injurious to those for whose temporal interest and eternal welfare, I come to plead. What is an Indian? Is he not formed of the same materials with yourself? For "of one blood God created all the nations that dwell on the face of the earth." Though it be true that he is ignorant, that he is unrefined, that he is a savage; yet he is no more than all others have been under similar circumstances. Eighteen centuries ago, what were the inhabitants of Great Britain? You here behold an Indian, my kindred are Indians, and my fathers sleeping in the wilderness grave—they too were Indians. But I am not as my fathers were—broader means and nobler influences have fallen upon me. I have had greater advantages than most of my race; and I now stand before you delegated by my native country to seek her in

Answer 1

Elias Boudinot advocated for the Cherokee by highlighting their adoption of white culture and Christianity, yet they still faced removal and prejudice, culminating in the Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears.

Elias Boudinot, a prominent Cherokee leader and editor of The Cherokee Phoenix, sought understanding and support from white audiences in his speech at First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia on May 26, 1826. Boudinot highlighted the achievements of the Cherokee in adopting aspects of white culture, such as literacy, government structures, and Christianity, to counter the prevalent stereotypes that Native Americans were incapable of becoming full citizens. Despite their adoption of aspects of white culture and civilization, including the problematic practice of owning slaves like their white counterparts, the Cherokee and other tribes known as the Five Civilized Tribes faced continuous pressure and encroachment from white settlers and eventually, forced removal via policies like the Indian Removal Act championed by President Andrew Jackson.

These historical events underscore the complexities of cultural assimilation, race relationships, and the struggle for self-determination faced by Native Americans, particularly during the Age of Jackson. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 codified the forced displacement of Native Americans, leading to the infamous Trail of Tears. The Cherokee's efforts at assimilation did not safeguard them against the expansionist desires of the white population, revealing the deep-seated racial prejudices and the inclination towards the eradication of Native presence to make way for 'White civilization.'