Roaming the Untamed Frontier
Freedom is found where the dirt road ends and the open sky begins.
Colonel Alexander R. McKee holds a significant, though often overlooked, place in the complex tapestry of Native American relations during the transformative years of railroad expansion in the Old West, specifically between 1865 and 1890. His role as a negotiator and intermediary showcases the intricate dance of diplomacy that often defined interactions between the United States government and Native American tribes during this pivotal period.
Background of Railroad Expansion
The period of railroad expansion in the United States was characterized by rapid industrial growth and an insatiable appetite for land and resources. Following the conclusion of the American Civil War, the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 marked a turning point in American history. By linking the East to the West, this monumental engineering feat catalyzed migration, commerce, and significant cultural exchanges, but it also precipitated profound disruptions to Native American societies.
1865: Civil War ends; renewed focus on western expansion.
1869: Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad.
1870s-1880s: Intense negotiation efforts with Native American tribes.
1887: Dawes Act passed, leading to further land allotments.
Colonel McKees Role in Treaty Negotiations
Colonel McKee, born around 1820, served as an army officer and an influential negotiator in relations with various Native American tribes. His involvement was particularly notable during the 1870s, when the U.S. government sought to establish treaties that would facilitate the construction of railroads through tribal lands.
McKees negotiation style was characterized by his understanding of tribal dynamics and his efforts to foster trust between conflicting parties. For example, in 1871, he was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of Fort Laramie with the Lakota Sioux, which aimed to secure safe passage for railroad workers through sacred lands. Despite these intentions, the treaty often fell short of its promises, and the repercussions were severe.
The government has promised us this land, but your actions betray those promises. – Lakota Chief Sitting Bull
The Balancing Act of Diplomacy
McKee™s role often placed him in a balancing act between the interests of the U.S. government and Native American tribes. The General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act, aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society, promoting individual land ownership rather than communal living. While McKee believed in the potential for peaceful coexistence, the act ultimately led to the significant loss of tribal lands.
Important Context: The Dawes Act resulted in a dramatic reduction of Native American land holdings, from 138 million acres in 1887 to just 48 million acres by 1934. The act™s failure to respect indigenous cultures and communal living was met with resistance from many tribes.
Legacy and Impact
Though Colonel McKee™s contributions were marked by both successes and shortcomings, his legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities of early Native American relations during the period of railroad expansion. His efforts to negotiate and mediate brought some short-lived moments of peace, but they were consistently undermined by the U.S. governments disregard for treaties once economic interests were threatened or compromised.
Understanding McKees role within this broader historical context offers critical insights into the challenges faced by both Native Americans and American expansionists. His experiences underscore the necessity for diplomats to understand the cultural and social fabrics that govern relationships, particularly when promises of peace and mutual benefit are at stake.
Actionable Takeaways
- Recognize the importance of inclusive negotiation approaches that consider the cultural values and needs of all parties.
- Understand how historical treaties can impact present-day relations between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
- Advocate for ongoing discussions about the legacy of these treaties, ensuring they include voices from Native American communities.
Colonel Alexander R. McKees story is a vital chapter in the history of the American West, exemplifying both the aspirations and failures of a nation grappling with its identity amidst the complexities of cultural coexistence.
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