Native American policy

Definition

Native American policy refers to the various strategies and regulations implemented by the U.S. government regarding the management and treatment of Indigenous peoples. These policies evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes toward Native Americans, from attempts at assimilation to forced removal and reservation systems. The approach taken during this period greatly impacted the social, economic, and political landscapes for Native American communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The shift from a policy of coexistence with Native Americans to one of removal began in the early 19th century, influenced by expansionist desires and economic interests.
2. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the displacement of thousands of Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw tribes.
3. The concept of manifest destiny fueled the belief that U.S. expansion was justified and that Native Americans were an obstacle to progress.
4. Many Native American tribes were forced onto reservations, which often had poor living conditions and limited resources, affecting their traditional lifestyles.
5. The effects of these policies are still felt today, contributing to ongoing struggles for rights, recognition, and autonomy among Native American communities.

Review Questions

• How did the U.S. government's approach to Native American policy change over time during this period?
  • Initially, the U.S. government attempted to assimilate Native Americans into Euro-American culture through education and conversion efforts. However, as westward expansion intensified, policies shifted towards forcible removal from ancestral lands, culminating in laws like the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This transformation marked a stark departure from earlier approaches and reflected the growing belief that Native Americans were obstacles to national progress.
• Evaluate the impact of the Trail of Tears on Native American communities and its significance in U.S. history.
  • The Trail of Tears represented one of the most devastating consequences of U.S. Native American policy, as thousands were forcibly relocated under harsh conditions that led to widespread illness and death. This event highlighted the brutal reality of government policies aimed at displacing Indigenous peoples and symbolized the broader historical narrative of oppression faced by Native Americans. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of aggressive expansionist policies in U.S. history.
• Assess how Native American policies have shaped modern Indigenous rights movements and what implications this has for contemporary society.
  • The historical context of Native American policies has significantly influenced modern Indigenous rights movements by highlighting longstanding grievances related to land rights, sovereignty, and cultural preservation. Activists today draw upon past injustices, such as forced removals and broken treaties, to advocate for legal recognition and protection of their rights. The ongoing struggles for land restitution and cultural autonomy reflect how these historical policies continue to resonate in contemporary society, emphasizing the need for justice and reconciliation.

Related terms

Trail of Tears:

The forced relocation of Native American nations from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern U.S. to designated Indian Territory, leading to significant suffering and death.

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their lands east of the Mississippi River to territories westward.

Reservation System: A policy that designated specific areas of land for Native Americans to live on, often after being forcibly removed from their original territories.