How Might The Cartographic Representation Of The Appalachian Mountains In Early 18th-century Maps, Specifically Those Produced By Colonial Surveyors And Explorers Such As Thomas Walker And John Mitchell, Have Influenced The Development Of Native American Removal Policies In The Region During The Late 18th And Early 19th Centuries?

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The cartographic representations of the Appalachian Mountains by colonial surveyors and explorers like Thomas Walker and John Mitchell in the early 18th century significantly influenced the development of Native American Removal policies in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Here's a structured summary of how this influence manifested:

  1. Perception of Territory and Borders:

    • Inaccuracy and Omission: The maps often lacked detailed and accurate representations of Native American territories, leading to a perception that these lands were unsettled or unclaimed. This oversight contributed to the U.S. government not recognizing Native American sovereignty, facilitating policies that disregarded their land rights.

  2. Encouragement of Settlement:

    • Manifest Destiny: By depicting the region as largely empty, the maps fueled the idea of westward expansion. This perception encouraged settlers to move into the area, supporting the ideology of Manifest Destiny and the belief in American expansionism.

  3. Resource Exploitation:

    • Highlighting Resources: The maps often emphasized natural resources such as rivers and minerals, making the region appear economically valuable. This highlighted the potential for resource exploitation, prompting the government to pursue policies that removed Native Americans to access these resources more effectively.

  4. Military and Strategic Planning:

    • Facilitating Military Campaigns: The maps provided geographical information that aided military planning, enabling campaigns against Native American tribes. This strategic use of cartography supported the forced removal of Native populations who resisted encroachment.

  5. Impact on Treaties and Legal Framework:

    • Influence on Treaties: Inaccurate maps used in treaties often failed to recognize Native American land claims properly, leading to conflicts. Over time, this contributed to a legal basis for removal policies, undermining Native American rights.

  6. Cultural and Racial Perceptions:

    • "Civilized" Tribes Narrative: Maps sometimes indicated areas where Native Americans adopted European practices, reinforcing the idea that they should assimilate. This narrative justified policies advocating for their relocation to areas deemed more suitable for "civilization."

  7. Culmination in Policy:

    • Indian Removal Act of 1830: The cumulative effect of these cartographic influences set the stage for this Act, which systematically forced Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to make way for settlers and economic development.

In conclusion, the early 18th-century maps shaped perceptions of the Appalachian region as unsettled and resource-rich, influenced policies encouraging expansion, and provided a basis for the legal and cultural justification of Native American removal. These cartographic efforts were instrumental in the broader context of westward expansion and the displacement of Native American communities.