Dawes Act Of 1887 Worksheet Answers Explained
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The Dawes Act of 1887, officially known as the General Allotment Act, was a significant piece of legislation in United States history that had profound effects on Native American tribes and their lands. This Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual parcels of land while the remaining tribal lands were sold to non-Native settlers. Understanding the implications of the Dawes Act is crucial for grasping the broader context of U.S. relations with Native Americans and the long-term impacts of policy decisions on indigenous cultures.
Background of the Dawes Act
The Dawes Act emerged during a period of significant social and political upheaval in the United States, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny—the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This period saw the U.S. government adopting various policies aimed at reducing the land held by Native Americans and encouraging assimilation into Euro-American culture.
Objectives of the Dawes Act
The primary objectives of the Dawes Act were to:
- Assimilate Native Americans: By allotting individual plots of land, the government hoped Native Americans would adopt farming lifestyles similar to European Americans.
- Encourage private land ownership: The Act aimed to promote individualism over communal living, which was traditionally practiced by many Native American tribes.
- Open land for settlement: By reallocating tribal lands to individuals, the government intended to make more land available for white settlers.
Key Provisions of the Act
The Dawes Act consisted of several key provisions:
- Allotment of Land: Each Native American adult would receive a specified amount of land (usually 160 acres for farming or 320 acres for grazing), while any excess land would be sold to white settlers.
- Citizenship: Native Americans who accepted their allotments and lived separately from the tribe would be granted U.S. citizenship.
- Trust Period: The allotted lands were held in trust by the federal government for a period of 25 years, after which the land would be fully owned by the Native American individuals.
Here’s a concise breakdown of the key provisions:
<table> <tr> <th>Provision</th> <th>Description</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Land Allotment</td> <td>Individual plots distributed to Native Americans</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Citizenship</td> <td>Granted to those who accepted the allotment</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Trust Period</td> <td>Land held in trust for 25 years</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Excess Land Sale</td> <td>Remaining tribal lands sold to non-Native settlers</td> </tr> </table>
Impacts of the Dawes Act
While the intentions behind the Dawes Act may have been rooted in a desire for assimilation, the actual outcomes were disastrous for Native American communities.
Loss of Land
The Act resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal lands. An estimated 90 million acres of land were taken from Native Americans, leading to significant displacement and dispossession.
Cultural Erosion
The shift from communal to individual land ownership undermined traditional tribal structures and communal ways of life. The pressures to assimilate led to a gradual erosion of Native languages, customs, and identities.
Economic Hardship
Most Native Americans were unfamiliar with farming practices imposed by the government. The land allocated was often poor quality, leading to economic struggles and increased dependency on government assistance.
Citizenship Issues
While the Act promised citizenship to those who accepted allotments, many Native Americans did not fully benefit from this status due to ongoing discrimination and lack of rights.
Modern Perspectives on the Dawes Act
The legacy of the Dawes Act is a subject of debate among historians and scholars today. Many view it as a tool of oppression and a failure to respect the rights and cultures of Native Americans. It remains an example of the larger narrative of colonialism in the U.S., where the government prioritized expansion and settlement over indigenous rights.
Important Note:
As highlighted by experts in Native American studies, “The Dawes Act is often seen as a turning point that further marginalized Native tribes and cultures, leading to issues that persist today.”
Conclusion
The Dawes Act of 1887 was a pivotal moment in U.S. history, representing a significant shift in the government's approach to Native American policy. While it aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society, it ultimately led to a loss of land, cultural erosion, and economic hardship for many tribes. Understanding the implications of this legislation helps us better comprehend the complexities of U.S.-Native American relations and the ongoing impact of these policies today. Through continued education and awareness, we can work toward acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices faced by indigenous peoples.