How did the indian wars come to an end? And how was life for the Indians afterwards?
This article has some excellent information for you.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/indian.htm
The Indian Wars in the United States spanned several decades and involved various conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. The end of the Indian Wars can be attributed to several factors:
1. Military Confrontations: Many of the Indian Wars were concluded through military victories by the U.S. Army. The introduction of advanced weapons and tactics, such as repeating rifles and organized campaigns, gave the U.S. military an advantage over the Native American tribes. Additionally, the relocation of tribes to reservations reduced their ability to fight effectively.
2. Treaties and Negotiations: A significant number of Indian Wars ended through the signing of treaties and negotiations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. These treaties often involved territorial concessions, the establishment of reservations, and the promise of government support.
3. Decline of Traditional Ways of Life: As the Indian Wars progressed, Native American tribes faced significant losses of territory, resources, and population. This, coupled with the decline of traditional hunting grounds and disruption of their way of life, weakened their resistance and ability to continue fighting.
Life for Native Americans following the Indian Wars varied and depended on several factors:
1. Reservations: Many Native American tribes were forcibly relocated to reservations, which were often established on less desirable land. Life on reservations was challenging, with limited resources, poverty, and restricted autonomy. The U.S. government implemented assimilationist policies, such as the Dawes Act, which aimed to undermine tribal identities and encourage farming and Westernized lifestyles.
2. Loss of Cultural Heritage: The Indian Wars resulted in the loss of traditional territories, cultural practices, and languages for many tribes. Native American children were often sent to boarding schools where they were forced to abandon their indigenous cultures and adopt European-American values.
3. Continued Struggles: Even after the Indian Wars, Native Americans faced ongoing discrimination, marginalization, and economic challenges. It took several decades for more recognition of their rights, including the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which aimed to protect their cultures and improve living conditions.
Understanding the end of the Indian Wars and the subsequent impact on Native Americans involves studying historical documents, government policies, and the experiences of different tribes through primary and secondary sources.