One Big Reservation Policy

Definition

The One Big Reservation Policy was a U.S. government approach during the late 19th century that sought to consolidate various Native American tribes into a single large reservation in order to control their movements and reduce conflicts with settlers. This policy reflected the broader themes of westward expansion, as it aimed to facilitate the settlement of land while simultaneously diminishing Native American sovereignty and cultural identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The One Big Reservation Policy was established in response to increasing pressure from settlers moving westward, who desired access to lands previously inhabited by Native Americans.
2. This policy led to the creation of the Great Sioux Reservation in 1868, which initially encompassed a vast area of land but was later reduced through various treaties and acts.
3. Native American tribes were often forced into the One Big Reservation Policy without their consent, disrupting their traditional lifestyles and governance structures.
4. The policy faced strong opposition from many Native American leaders who sought to maintain their sovereignty and resist assimilation into white culture.
5. The One Big Reservation Policy set the stage for further policies, such as the Dawes Act, which aimed at individual land allotment and further eroded tribal lands and identities.

Review Questions

• How did the One Big Reservation Policy reflect the U.S. government's attitude towards Native Americans during westward expansion?
  • The One Big Reservation Policy illustrated a paternalistic and often exploitative attitude from the U.S. government towards Native Americans during westward expansion. By attempting to consolidate various tribes into one large reservation, the government sought to control Native populations, minimize conflict with settlers, and facilitate land acquisition for American expansion. This policy demonstrated a lack of respect for Native American sovereignty and culture, viewing indigenous peoples more as obstacles to progress than as distinct nations with their own rights.
• Evaluate the impact of the One Big Reservation Policy on Native American communities and their traditional ways of life.
  • The One Big Reservation Policy had profound negative effects on Native American communities, severely disrupting their traditional ways of life. The forced relocation and consolidation into a single reservation undermined tribal governance, social structures, and cultural practices. Many tribes faced challenges in adapting to new living conditions that were often far removed from their ancestral lands, leading to loss of identity, community cohesion, and access to traditional resources necessary for their sustenance.
• Assess how the One Big Reservation Policy set a precedent for later U.S. policies regarding Native Americans, particularly in relation to land rights and cultural assimilation.
  • The One Big Reservation Policy established a troubling precedent for future U.S. policies regarding Native Americans by prioritizing land acquisition over indigenous rights. This approach laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation like the Dawes Act, which sought to further assimilate Native Americans through individual land allotments while effectively stripping away communal land holdings. The legacy of these policies has continued to influence contemporary debates over Native American land rights and cultural preservation, highlighting ongoing struggles against historical injustices.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1851 agreement between the U.S. government and various Native American tribes, which established specific territories for tribes but was often violated by settlers and the government.

Dawes Act:

An 1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land and granting them U.S. citizenship, ultimately leading to significant loss of tribal land and culture.