Five Civilized Tribes facts for kids
The Five Civilized Tribes is a name given to five important Native American nations. These nations are the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. White settlers used this term because these tribes adopted many customs from the colonists. They also often had good relationships with their neighbors.
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What Were the Five Civilized Tribes?
The term "Five Civilized Tribes" refers to five Native American groups. These groups lived in the southeastern United States. They were the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. This name was used by European-American settlers. It described tribes that had adopted many European ways of life.
Why Were They Called "Civilized"?
These tribes were called "civilized" because they changed many of their traditions. They started to live more like the European settlers. For example, they built towns and farms. They also created written languages and governments. Some tribes even owned plantations and enslaved people. This was a common practice among settlers at the time. They also adopted Christianity. These changes made them seem more "civilized" to the settlers.
Who Were These Five Nations?
Each of the Five Civilized Tribes had its own unique history and culture. However, they shared some common experiences. They all faced challenges as more settlers moved into their lands.
The Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee are one of the largest Native American groups. They originally lived in the southeastern United States. This area included parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The Cherokee developed a written language. It was created by Sequoyah in 1821. They also formed a government similar to the U.S. government.
The Chickasaw Nation
The Chickasaw people lived in what is now Mississippi and Alabama. They were known as fierce warriors. They also had a strong trading network. The Chickasaw were skilled farmers. They grew crops like corn, beans, and squash.
The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw lived in areas of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. They were one of the first tribes to sign treaties with the United States. The Choctaw were known for their peaceful nature. They were also skilled hunters and farmers.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation
The Muscogee, often called Creek, lived in Georgia and Alabama. They were a confederacy of many different towns and tribes. The Muscogee had a rich culture. They were known for their ceremonies and traditions. They also had a strong system of laws.
The Seminole Nation
The Seminole people formed in Florida. They were made up of various Native American groups. These groups included Creeks, and also runaway enslaved people. The Seminole were known for their resistance. They fought several wars against the United States.
Their History and Challenges
The Five Civilized Tribes faced many difficulties. As settlers moved west, they wanted more land. This led to many conflicts and treaties. Eventually, the U.S. government forced these tribes to move. This movement was from their homelands to Indian Territory. Indian Territory is now the state of Oklahoma. This forced journey was very hard for the tribes. Many people died along the way. Despite these challenges, the Five Civilized Tribes survived. They rebuilt their nations in Oklahoma. Today, they continue to be strong and active communities.
Images for kids
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The Mississippian culture was a mound building Native American urban culture that flourished in the South and Eastern United States before the arrival of Europeans.
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Routes of southern removals to the first Indian Territory of the Five Civilized Tribes
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Cherokee Nation Historic Courthouse in Tahlequah, built in 1849, is the oldest public building standing in Oklahoma.
See also
In Spanish: Cinco Tribus Civilizadas para niños
