The issue of slavery influenced the treaty-making process by Isaac Stevens in several ways. Stevens' treaties with Native American tribes included provisions that required the tribes to free any African slaves they may have had. This was seen as a way to uphold the idea that only Africans could be slaves, and to ensure that Native American tribes would not participate in or benefit from the institution of slavery. Additionally, by including provisions regarding slavery in the treaties, Stevens sought to further solidify the authority and control of the United States government over both Native Americans and the institution of slavery within the territories.
