Termination era

Definition

The termination era refers to a policy period in the mid-20th century when the U.S. federal government aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by ending the recognition of tribal sovereignty and dissolving the status of many tribes. This era marked a significant shift in federal Indian policy, moving away from the previous approach of recognizing tribal nations and their rights, leading to profound social, economic, and cultural impacts on Native communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The termination era officially began in 1953 when Congress passed House Concurrent Resolution 108, aiming to terminate the federal trust relationship with tribes.
2. During this period, more than 100 tribes lost their federal recognition, which had severe consequences for their access to resources and services.
3. The rationale behind the termination policy was based on the belief that assimilation would lead to greater economic opportunities for Native Americans, which ultimately failed.
4. Native activism in response to the negative impacts of termination led to a resurgence of tribal identity and calls for self-determination in later decades.
5. The termination era has left a lasting legacy, shaping contemporary debates about tribal sovereignty, rights, and the role of the federal government in Native affairs.

Review Questions

• How did the termination era reflect a significant change in U.S. federal policy towards Native Americans compared to previous eras?
  • The termination era marked a drastic shift from earlier policies that recognized tribal sovereignty and aimed to preserve Native cultures. Unlike the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which sought to support tribal governance, the termination policy aimed to eliminate that recognition entirely. This change reflected broader societal attitudes at the time, viewing assimilation as a solution to perceived 'Indian problems' rather than supporting tribal self-determination.
• Evaluate the short-term and long-term impacts of the termination era on Native American communities and their relationship with the federal government.
  • In the short term, the termination era led to significant loss of tribal recognition, resources, and services for many Native communities, exacerbating social and economic challenges. Long-term impacts included a resurgence of Native activism that paved the way for self-determination policies in the late 20th century. The consequences of this era continue to influence discussions around tribal rights and sovereignty, highlighting the ongoing struggle between Indigenous self-governance and federal oversight.
• Analyze how contemporary movements for Native American rights can be traced back to experiences during the termination era.
  • Contemporary movements advocating for Native American rights can trace their roots back to the experiences during the termination era when many tribes faced loss of identity and support from the federal government. The adverse effects of this period galvanized communities to reclaim their identities and fight for their rights, leading to a push for self-determination policies. Current efforts toward revitalization of culture, sovereignty, and legal recognition reflect a direct response to historical injustices experienced during this tumultuous time.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law that aimed to reverse the assimilation policies of the Dawes Act by restoring some degree of self-governance and recognizing tribal sovereignty.

Dawes Act: A law enacted in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual plots of land to tribal members and selling off surplus land to non-Natives.

self-determination: A policy shift in the late 20th century that emphasized the rights of Native tribes to govern themselves and control their own affairs without federal interference.