The Broken Path

Summary

“The Broken Path: Native Tribes and the Tragedy of the Trail of Tears” delves into one of the darkest chapters in American history, documenting the harrowing experiences of Southeastern Native American tribes during the forced relocations known as the Trail of Tears. This book offers a poignant exploration of the devastating consequences of U.S. government policies that sought to remove Indigenous peoples from their ancestral lands. Through the lens of selected tribes, whose fates, though varied, were marked by equal suffering, the narrative reveals the inhumane reality of manifest destiny.

This doctrine drove the relentless expansion of white settlers across the continent. Despite efforts by Native Americans to resist through legal battles and armed conflict, their struggle was tragically futile against the overwhelming forces of displacement. This powerful account underscores the enduring impact of this tragic era on the Indigenous populations of America.