The colonial policies and practices that played a part in peaceful or violent transitions to self-rule were very complex. One major one which had a very important role here was Apartheid. This was an important policy which had at its core racial segregation between black and white people.
Imperial nations needed to conquer other nations
They wanted to exploit a loophole in american politics. Before them, the other Native people who ceded their lands had first been recognized as nations and then when the territory became their legally, they would give it away in deals with the American government. The Cherokee thus declared themselves to be a sovereign nation and not to give the land, which is why they took the case to the supreme court in order to be protected.
