key term - Treaty of Medicine Lodge

Definition

The Treaty of Medicine Lodge, signed in 1867, was an agreement between the United States government and several Native American tribes, primarily the Southern Plains tribes, which aimed to establish peace and define reservation lands for these tribes. This treaty represented a pivotal moment in the U.S. government's approach to Native American relations, as it sought to confine tribes to designated areas while promoting assimilation into American society through agriculture and farming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Medicine Lodge was signed on October 21, 1867, during negotiations held at Medicine Lodge Creek in Kansas.
2. Under the treaty, the U.S. government agreed to provide food, supplies, and support for agricultural development to the tribes who agreed to settle on reservations.
3. The treaty marked a shift in U.S. policy from military confrontation to one that sought to negotiate peace through treaties and agreements.
4. Many tribes signed the treaty, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche, but compliance with its terms was inconsistent and often ignored by the U.S. government.
5. The Treaty of Medicine Lodge ultimately failed to provide lasting peace or stability for Native American tribes, as conflicts continued over land rights and resources.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Medicine Lodge reflect changes in U.S. government policy towards Native Americans during the 19th century?
  • The Treaty of Medicine Lodge illustrated a significant shift in U.S. policy from direct military conflict to diplomatic negotiation with Native American tribes. By seeking treaties rather than engaging solely in warfare, the government aimed to establish peace while simultaneously controlling Native American populations through land reservations. This approach highlighted a new strategy that emphasized settlement on designated lands while promoting agricultural practices as a means of assimilation.
• Discuss the impact of the Treaty of Medicine Lodge on Southern Plains tribes and their way of life.
  • The Treaty of Medicine Lodge had a profound impact on Southern Plains tribes by enforcing a transition from their nomadic lifestyle to one based on agriculture within designated reservations. Although the treaty promised resources and support for farming, many tribes faced challenges adapting due to inadequate supplies and lack of training. Additionally, traditional hunting grounds were lost, leading to food scarcity and cultural disruption as tribes struggled with the imposed changes.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Treaty of Medicine Lodge for Native American relations with the U.S. government and subsequent treaties.
  • The long-term consequences of the Treaty of Medicine Lodge were largely negative for Native American relations with the U.S. government. The failure to uphold treaty obligations led to distrust between Native tribes and federal authorities, setting a precedent for future treaties that were often broken or ignored. As conflicts over land continued, many tribes experienced further loss of territory and resources, which contributed to ongoing cycles of poverty and marginalization that impacted Native communities well into the future.

Related terms

Reservation System: A policy implemented by the U.S. government to assign specific areas of land to Native American tribes, often resulting in the loss of traditional lands and forced relocation.

Indian Appropriations Act:

A series of laws passed by Congress that facilitated the creation of reservations and the funding for Native American assimilation into American society.

Assimilation: The process by which Native Americans were encouraged or forced to adopt European-American cultural norms, including farming practices, religion, and language.