How did clearing the Cumberland gap affect the Shawnee Indians and other natives?

Answer 1

Clearing the Cumberland Gap facilitated westward expansion for American settlers, significantly impacting the Shawnee Indians and other Native American tribes by encroaching on their ancestral lands. This influx led to increased tensions, violent confrontations, and eventual displacement of many indigenous communities. The loss of territory and resources undermined their traditional ways of life, contributing to a broader pattern of marginalization and displacement across the region. Ultimately, the clearing of the gap marked a critical point in the decline of Native American sovereignty in the face of expanding American settlement.