How the West Was Lost - Season 2 Episode 2 The Trail of Tears

George Washington protected Cherokee land, but under Adams and Jefferson they are forced to give up land in 25 different cessions. They chose to understand and adopt some of the white man's culture to help stop encroachment. They welcome Christianity, make their government resemble that of the United States, invent an alphabet, establish a Supreme Court and publish a newspaper. But in 1830, under President Jackson, Congress passes the Indian Removal Bill. The Cherokee resist. A furious attack ensues. By 1835 all Cherokee land east of the Mississippi is taken from them. An estimated 4,000 Cherokee die as they are imprisoned to prepare for the Removal. This tragic event is known as The Trail of Tears.