Why were the Five Civilized Tribes called that? This question has intrigued historians and anthropologists for centuries. The term “Five Civilized Tribes” refers to a group of Native American tribes that were recognized by the United States government during the 19th century. These tribes were the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole. The label was initially given to these tribes due to their perceived advancements in agriculture, governance, and cultural practices compared to other Native American groups. However, the origins of this term and its implications are complex and multifaceted.
The term “civilized” was a reflection of the Euro-American perspective on Native American societies. During the 18th and 19th centuries, European settlers and American colonists viewed Native American tribes through the lens of their own cultural values and norms. In this context, “civilized” meant adopting European-style agriculture, governance, and social structures. The Five Civilized Tribes were seen as having made significant progress in these areas, which was often a result of their interactions with European settlers and the adoption of aspects of their culture.
The first contact between the Five Civilized Tribes and European settlers occurred in the 16th century. Over time, these tribes began to trade with European merchants, learn new farming techniques, and adopt aspects of European governance and social structures. For example, the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes were among the first to adopt a written constitution and a system of government modeled after the United States. This progress led to the term “Five Civilized Tribes” being coined.
However, the label “Five Civilized Tribes” was not without controversy. Many Native American scholars and activists argue that the term is pejorative and reflects a Eurocentric view of Native American cultures. They contend that the term diminishes the rich and diverse traditions of these tribes and implies that they were less “civilized” than European settlers. Moreover, the term fails to acknowledge the complex and often violent history of interactions between these tribes and European settlers.
The Five Civilized Tribes’ adoption of European-style agriculture and governance was not always a voluntary process. In many cases, these changes were imposed on the tribes through policies and legislation. For instance, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced many of the Five Civilized Tribes to relocate to reservations in the West, a policy that resulted in the tragic Trail of Tears.
In conclusion, the term “Five Civilized Tribes” was a reflection of the Euro-American perspective on Native American societies during the 19th century. While the term was initially given to these tribes due to their perceived advancements in agriculture, governance, and cultural practices, it is now widely regarded as pejorative and reflects a Eurocentric view of Native American cultures. Understanding the origins and implications of this term is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between Native American tribes and European settlers in the United States.
