Becoming American Essay

795 Words2 Pages

There is no clear definition of “becoming American”. Everyone has a different view of what American truly means. The term differs depending on what era in history it is. During the American Revolution, the United States was not a nation, therefore no one was truly American. While the Cherokee Nation fought for sovereignty, the definition of “becoming American” expanded. Both the American Revolution and the Red Clay simulations conveyed how race contributed to “becoming American”.

At the beginning of the American Revolution no one was American, yet some people believed their race was superior to others. White men assumed they were entitled and had more power than anyone else. For example; slaves were never considered American. They were pieces of property that were easily bought and sold. Slaves had no rights and were not allowed to participate in any form of government, even though “they had experienced travel and often knew more languages and dialects than their masters” …show more content…

The American Revolution simulation focused on slavery and freedom, whereas the Red Clay simulation emphasized the Cherokee Nation’s fight for sovereignty. Both simulations were dominated by the white elite who controlled minorities. In history and in the simulations, a simple vote or treaty could easily determine if someone could “become American”. Some people believed that “becoming American” meant that citizens needed to participate in the government. Because slaves were not allowed to be involved in the government, they were not American. In the Red Clay simulation, the Cherokee Nation was acknowledged by the government. President Jackson and Governor Lumpkin both attempted to create treaties with them; however, they were still seen as inferior beings. Jackson did not care about the Cherokee Nation, “His immediate problem was relocating the eastern tribes as quickly and as economically as possible” (Remini

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