Were those who wanted the Cherokees land influenced by the fact that the Cherokee signers of the 1835 treaty acted illegaly?

Yes, those who sought Cherokee land were influenced by the perception that the 1835 treaty, signed by a small group of Cherokee leaders, was illegitimate. Many believed that the treaty did not represent the will of the entire Cherokee Nation, as it was signed under duress and without the consent of the majority of the tribe. This belief fueled further justification for the appropriation of Cherokee lands, as it was seen as a violation of their rights and sovereignty. Consequently, these views contributed to the broader support for policies like the Indian Removal Act.