The statement "In preparing for the Cherokee removal, state and federal officials were motivated solely by desire to seize the natives' land" does not present the full picture. It's a complex statement in that it explains the event and the motive behind it. However, state and federal officials wanted to seize the natives' land for a reason which is cotton planting. The statement can be simply revised to acknowledge this: In preparing for the Cherokee removal, state and federal officials were motivated to seize the natives' land solely for cotton production.
For my own topic, I can take a similar approach by revising my thesis to present the full picture. I can use this revised thesis to add details which support it and provide more complex details simultaneously.
In response to your peers, share any preconceived notions you may have about their topic. Lastly, consider how further exploration of the viewpoints around their topic would potentially change the lens through which they currently view the event.