Where the West Stands Tall
In the land of cowboys, the horizon is just the beginning of the journey.
The Dawes Act of 1887 stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Native American relations in the United States. Enacted during a period of significant upheaval and change, the Dawes Act sought to transform the lives of Native Americans through the allotment of tribal lands into individual parcels. To fully understand the implications of this act, we must first explore the early settlement of the West and the political changes that led to its passage.
Early Settlement (1800-1850)
The Westward Expansion
The early years of the 19th century were marked by the westward push of American settlers, driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny–the idea that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This expansion, however, came at a profound cost to Native American tribes, who faced increased encroachment on their lands.
Impact on Native Tribes
By 1850, tribes such as the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Nez Perce resisted this encroachment, which disrupted their traditional ways of life. The U.S. governments approach to these tribes oscillated between negotiation and aggression, often leading to treaties that were subsequently broken. For example, the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851 aimed to establish peace between the U.S. and Native tribes; however, as settlers moved westward, the treaty was largely ignored.
Key Events Leading to the Dawes Act
- 1803: Louisiana Purchase expands American territory.
- 1830: Indian Removal Act forces Native tribes to relocate west of the Mississippi.
- 1851: Treaty of Fort Laramie aims to regulate relationships between settlers and tribes.
- 1862: Homestead Act encourages settlement of the West.
- 1871: Congress ends the practice of recognizing tribes as independent nations.
Political Changes
The Rise of Allotment Policies
By the time the Dawes Act was enacted, there was a growing belief among American policymakers that assimilation was the key to civilizing Native Americans. Influenced by the prevailing sentiment of the time, many politicians argued that individual land ownership would encourage Native Americans to adopt European-American customs, including farming and land stewardship.
The Role of Reformers
Reformers, such as Helen Hunt Jackson, began advocating for fair treatment of Native Americans, yet they also endorsed assimilationist policies. In her book, A Century of Dishonor (1881), Jackson stressed that Native Americans should be integrated into American society. This led to the push for policies like the Dawes Act, which was seen as a benevolent act to save Native American cultures from extinction.
œThe Indians are not only a people to be protected but a people to be educated.
The Dawes Act: Key Provisions
Allotment of Land
The Dawes Act authorized the president to survey tribal lands and divide them into individual allotments. Each Native American family was granted a parcel of land, typically 160 acres. remaining lands were sold to white settlers, vastly altering the communal landholdings that were central to Native American cultures.
Impact on Tribal Sovereignty
The Dawes Act also aimed to undermine tribal sovereignty by erasing communal identities. As tribal lands were reduced and sold off, many Native Americans found themselves isolated and economically disadvantaged. By 1934, it is estimated that Native Americans lost approximately 90 million acres of land as a result of these policies.
The Aftermath of the Dawes Act
The Dawes Acts implementation had lasting effects: it led to significant cultural and economic dislocation for many Native American tribes. Plus, its failure to respect traditional governance structures led to lasting grievances that would manifest in conflicts such as the Ghost Dance Movement and ultimately contributed to broader movements for Native American rights in the 20th century.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Dawes Act
The Dawes Act of 1887 was a culmination of various political changes and ideologies that emerged from the early settlement period in America. Its aim to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands not only failed to achieve its intended goals but also laid the groundwork for ongoing struggles over identity, sovereignty, and land rights. In today™s context, the act serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding Native American relations and the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and their land rights.
Actionable Takeaways
- Understand the historical context of Native American policies to learn from past injustices.
- Engage with contemporary Native American issues, including land sovereignty and cultural preservation.
- Support initiatives that promote the rights and self-determination of indigenous peoples.
“`
