Divide and conquer approach

Definition

The divide and conquer approach refers to a strategic method used to weaken an opponent by breaking their strength into smaller, more manageable parts, often leading to their eventual defeat. This tactic has been historically employed by various powers throughout history, particularly during conflicts, to exploit divisions among groups and make it easier to control or defeat them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The divide and conquer approach was commonly used by U.S. military leaders during the Plains Indian Wars to exploit divisions among various tribes, making them easier targets for military campaigns.
2. By breaking up alliances between tribes and playing different groups against one another, the U.S. government aimed to weaken Native American resistance to expansion.
3. This strategy was evident in the signing of treaties that often isolated individual tribes from one another, eroding their collective power.
4. The approach also involved creating rivalries among tribes by favoring certain groups with resources or support, leading to internal conflicts that further diminished their strength.
5. The long-term effects of the divide and conquer approach contributed significantly to the loss of land, culture, and autonomy experienced by many Native American tribes.

Review Questions

• How did the divide and conquer approach impact the alliances among Plains Indian tribes during the wars?
  • The divide and conquer approach significantly undermined alliances among Plains Indian tribes by exploiting existing tensions and creating rivalries. By favoring certain tribes over others, U.S. military leaders were able to break down unified resistance against expansion. This fragmentation weakened tribal power as they became more focused on internal conflicts rather than collaborating against external threats.
• Discuss the role of treaties in the divide and conquer strategy implemented by the U.S. government during the Plains Indian Wars.
  • Treaties were a crucial aspect of the divide and conquer strategy, as they allowed the U.S. government to isolate tribes and disrupt their collective strength. Many treaties involved ceding large amounts of land while promising specific rights or benefits in return. However, these agreements often favored certain tribes, creating discord among them and preventing a united front against encroachment, which facilitated further U.S. territorial expansion.
• Evaluate how the divide and conquer approach contributed to the long-term consequences faced by Native American communities after the Plains Indian Wars.
  • The divide and conquer approach had devastating long-term consequences for Native American communities by systematically dismantling their social structures and cultural cohesion. By fostering divisions among tribes through treaties and selective support, the U.S. government ensured that tribal nations were weakened individually, making them vulnerable to further encroachments on their land and sovereignty. This legacy of fragmentation has had enduring effects on Native American identity and self-determination in contemporary society.

Related terms

Bureau of Indian Affairs: A U.S. government agency responsible for the administration of Indian affairs, which played a key role in managing relationships between the federal government and Native American tribes.

Reservation System: A policy that designated specific areas of land for Native American tribes, often leading to fragmentation of their traditional territories and cultures.

Treaties: Formal agreements made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes that often resulted in land cessions and significant changes to tribal sovereignty.