Discuss the different approaches of the federal government toward the Plains Indians
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The federal government of the United States implemented various approaches towards the Plains Indians throughout history. These approaches can be broadly categorized into four main periods: Removal, Assimilation, Concentration, and Self-Determination.
1. Removal:
During the 19th century, the federal government's initial approach towards the Plains Indians was focused on removing them from their traditional lands. This was driven by a desire to acquire the valuable land for white settlement and to control Native American populations. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 authorized the relocation of Native American tribes across the country. This period included infamous events like the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands.
2. Assimilation:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the federal government shifted its approach towards assimilating Native American tribes into mainstream American society. The government believed that the best path forward was to dismantle tribal cultures and replace them with European-American customs and values. This policy was exemplified by the creation of boarding schools where Native American children were forcibly separated from their families and communities and mandated to adopt Western education, language, and religion.
3. Concentration:
During the late 19th century, the government pursued a policy of concentrating Native Americans into smaller, designated reservations. This approach aimed to confine Native American populations to restricted areas to make way for further white settlement and resource extraction. The Dawes Act of 1887 resulted in the division of reservation lands into individual allotments, often leading to the loss of communal land ownership and further erosion of tribal identities.
4. Self-Determination:
From the mid-20th century onwards, the federal government began adopting policies that recognized the importance of tribal self-governance and autonomy. This shift was partially influenced by advocacy and activism by Native American leaders and organizations. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, encouraged tribes to establish self-governing bodies and reclaim some control over their lands and resources. Additionally, subsequent legislation has sought to improve tribal sovereignty, provide access to quality healthcare and education, and support economic development in Native American communities.
In summary, the federal government's approaches towards the Plains Indians have evolved over time, from removal and assimilation to concentration and ultimately towards self-determination. These approaches reflect the changing social, political, and cultural contexts of the United States and its relationship with Native American tribes.