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[email protected] A Christian Nation: How Christianity united the people of the Cherokee Nation. There is not today and never has been a civilized Indian community on the continent which has not been largely made so by the immediate labors of Christian missionaries.1 -Nineteenth century Cherokee Citizen Mary Brown Advisor: Dr. Richard Boles May 7, 2015 “Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts of the City College of the City University of New York.” 1Timothy Hill, Cherokee Advocate, “Brief Sketch of the Mission History of the Cherokees,” (Tahlequah, OK) April 18, 1864. Table of Contents Thesis: The leaders of the Cherokee Nation during the nineteenth century were not only “Christian”, but they also used Christianity to heavily influence their nationalist movements during the 19th century. Ultimately, through laws and tenets a “Christian nation” was formed. Introduction: Nationalism and the roots Factionalism . Define Cherokee nationalism—citizenship/blood quantum/physical location. The historiography of factionalism and its primary roots. Body: “A Christian Nation”: How Christianity shaped a nation . Christianity and the two mission organizations.