Establishment of treaties

Definition

The establishment of treaties refers to formal agreements between sovereign states or entities, outlining specific terms and conditions that govern their interactions, rights, and obligations. In the context of Washington State's history, treaties played a crucial role in defining the relationships between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, particularly during the period of territorial governance. These agreements often aimed to resolve conflicts, delineate land boundaries, and address issues of sovereignty and resource management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The establishment of treaties was particularly significant in Washington State during the mid-19th century as territorial governors negotiated with various Native American tribes to secure land for settlers.
2. Many treaties were not honored by the federal government, leading to conflicts and displacement of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands.
3. Treaties often included provisions for education, healthcare, and economic assistance for the tribes, which were frequently unmet in practice.
4. The establishment of treaties laid the groundwork for the legal framework surrounding Native American rights and land claims in Washington State.
5. The process of treaty-making was often marked by misunderstandings and misrepresentations, where Native Americans were not fully aware of the implications of the agreements they signed.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of treaties impact the relationships between Native American tribes and territorial governors in Washington State?
  • The establishment of treaties significantly impacted relationships between Native American tribes and territorial governors by creating formal agreements that defined land rights and governance. These treaties were intended to foster cooperation but often resulted in distrust due to unfulfilled promises from the U.S. government. The negotiations highlighted the power dynamics at play, as many tribes were pressured into signing agreements that favored U.S. interests over their sovereignty.
• What were some common provisions found in treaties established between territorial governors and Native American tribes during this period?
  • Common provisions in treaties established between territorial governors and Native American tribes included land cessions, creation of reservations, guarantees for fishing and hunting rights, and promises for goods or financial support. These treaties aimed to formalize relationships and outline rights; however, many were drafted without full understanding or consent from the tribes. This often led to conflicts over interpretation and enforcement of these provisions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of treaty establishment on Native American tribes in Washington State and their legal standing today.
  • The long-term effects of treaty establishment on Native American tribes in Washington State have been profound, shaping both their legal standing and their relationships with the federal government. Treaties laid a foundation for recognizing tribal sovereignty, yet many were violated or inadequately enforced, leading to significant loss of land and resources. Today, these historical treaties serve as crucial legal documents in ongoing efforts by tribes to reclaim rights, assert sovereignty, and seek redress for past grievances against the U.S. government. The ongoing legal battles emphasize the importance of these treaties as living documents that continue to influence tribal governance and federal relations.

Related terms

Treaty of Medicine Creek:

An 1854 treaty between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes in Washington Territory, which ceded tribal lands to the U.S. in exchange for reservations and promises of goods.

Sovereignty:

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, often referring to the independence of Native American tribes in relation to federal and state governments.

Reservation: A designated area of land set aside by the U.S. government for Native American tribes, established through treaties that often involved land cessions.