Question

1. IDENTIFYING POINTS OF VIEW Why were the Creek, Seminole, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw tribes designated as the "Five Civilized Tribes"? What does this indicate about American society's definition of "civilized" at the time?​

Answer 1

The Creek, Seminole, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw tribes were designated as the "Five Civilized Tribes" because they had adopted many aspects of European American culture, including agriculture, written language, Christianity, and slaveholding. This designation was a reflection of American society's definition of "civilized" at the time, which was based on European American cultural norms and values.

In the eyes of many European Americans at the time, "civilization" meant the adoption of European American cultural practices and beliefs, and the abandonment of indigenous cultural practices. This view was used to justify the forced assimilation of indigenous peoples and the displacement of their communities from their ancestral lands. The designation of the "Five Civilized Tribes" as such was an attempt to distinguish them from other indigenous peoples and to suggest that they were more "civilized" and therefore more deserving of certain rights and privileges. However, this designation was also used as a tool of oppression, as it was used to justify policies such as Indian Removal and forced assimilation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Explanation: American society's definition of "civilized" at the time?

The first question is a factual question that can be answered by referring to historical accounts or documents. The second question requires an interpretation of the historical context and American society's definition of "civilized" at the time.

In terms of points of view, there are several possible perspectives to consider in answering the second question. One perspective is that of the American government officials who designated these tribes as the "Five Civilized Tribes." This perspective might suggest that the government officials saw these tribes as more "civilized" than other Native American tribes because they had adopted some aspects of European-American culture, such as Christianity, a system of government modeled after the United States, and a written language.

Another perspective to consider is that of the Native American tribes themselves. From their perspective, being designated as "civilized" may have been seen as a way to gain acceptance and protection from the American government. However, it may also have been seen as a threat to their traditional way of life and culture.

A third perspective is that of modern scholars who study this period in history. They may interpret the designation of these tribes as "civilized" as reflecting the dominant cultural and racial attitudes of the time, which saw European-American culture as superior to all others. This perspective might suggest that the "Five Civilized Tribes" were seen as a kind of exception to the rule that Native American cultures were primitive and inferior to European-American culture.

Overall, answering the question about American society's definition of "civilized" at the time requires considering multiple perspectives and historical contexts.