Research Proposal

Daria Suvorova

Research proposal on the Florida Seminoles.

     No wonder why I choose this topic. Seminoles are one of the greatest and proudest tribes through the whole America. They have a rich history that lasts for centuries and centuries. But unfortunately most of it is full of sadness and unfairness towards them. They play a huge role in Florida and Miami history, as one of the first inhabitants and locals. Therefore, in my research paper I would like to discuss this unique tribe. Though, my goal is not just to retell my audience the whole Seminole history, but to concentrate on a specific time period. That is the beginning of the 20^th century. This was one of the crucial years in the Seminoles life as they were between two controversial time periods. They had past full of wars and quarrels with the American’s. And the future, that included total control and care from the Government. So what will work best for them, for their traditions and for their morality? Should they stay as an isolated tribe or should they become an entertainment for the whole world?

     There have been done similar works on this topic, but slightly different to what I’m actually looking for. My voice is the voice of the future, so I have this opportunity to look at this problem from different angles and to use various researches. My audience is someone who is very understanding and sensitive as well as people who look for historical evidence. My goal is to bring empathy towards the Seminoles, and the best way to do it is through my personal voice. Also, I aim to smoothly mix up my position with different types of sources. I feel that the best way to unite all my material is through the writer Minnie Moore Wilson. She was one of the biggest figures at that time and one of the first ones who actually looked at the Seminoles dramatic situation. Eventually, her writings will not fully cover my question. Therefore, I will use other authors and materials to make my essay more global. My historical research will mostly include information from the books and Special Collection archives.

     All in all, I want to show how this red race is and was important. They are the main locals and the main representatives of Florida and Miami. They are what the history of Florida stands upon. Hence, the way they been treated was so disrespected and wrong, that it shows the cruelty of the American Government. Lastly, the way Seminoles were dealing with so much pressure, really intrigued me and made me search for the answer.