Despite strong opposition among some tribal members majority eventually agreed accept Treaty New Echota which established boundary line between Georgia US territory 1835 (King 2016). Under treaty provisions Cherokees were allowed receive $5 million dollars compensation for lands but also stipulated future migration away southern states take place within three years meaning its people must find new home further west no later than 1838 failure do so would result immediate military expulsion them from national boundaries (Dedera 2018) . For many however realization pressure exerted upon them proved too great even after signing agreement as true intent behind its signing still unclear present day researchers historians alike continue dispute actual role played chief John Ross during negotiations either way it’s clear fact result would be same regardless whether individual groups chose stay go or not eventually all ended up leaving south anyways despite best efforts otherwise (McLoughlin 1994 ).
To summarize situation faced Cherokee leaders at time they basically had two choices either sign treaty accept money provided while simultaneously relinquishing rights own self-determination or refuse submit demands imposed upon them face certain death exile once again highlighting devastating impact Removal Act had native peoples throughout America during 1830s period when considered full context implications such undertaking became increasingly apparent why these individuals felt obligated comply with US Government’s wishes albeit reluctantly so doing ultimately guaranteeing future generations chance survive West unmolested legal basis any hope autonomy completely lost almost instantaneously .
In hindsight could alternative approaches been taken represent interests those affected more appropriately manner? Many scholars agree likely though specifics vary depending whom ask indeed possible argue concessions might found political framework already existed mid nineteenth century allowing Native Americans greater degree freedom operate outside confines imposed colonial powers British Empire example although little evidence actually happened reality(Green 1978). Such theoretical conclusions course can only speculated upon retrospect yet nonetheless provide valuable insight into understanding how events unfolded way did importance making well informed decisions when dealing issues consequences potentially far reaching nature discussed earlier clearly evidenced adage ‘history repeats itself’ holds especially true here case unfortunately lack foresight proper attention paid details lead down path destruction ruin most notably experienced via Trail Tears .