Understanding the Federal Government's Policy Toward Native Americans in the Late 1800s

What was the goal of the Federal Government's policy toward Native Americans in the late 1800s?

• A. Destroy tribal bonds and thus weaken their traditional cultural values
• B. Give their tribal groups authority over their own affairs outside the law of the government
• C. Increase the number of landholdings of the western tribes
• D. Grant them full citizenship and as much land as they want

Answer: (A)

The goal of the Federal Government's policy toward Native Americans in the late 1800s was centered on destroying tribal bonds to weaken traditional cultural values. This was primarily evident through various policies aimed at assimilation, such as the Dawes Act of 1887, which sought to break up tribal lands and promote individual land ownership among Native Americans. By doing so, the government aimed to integrate Native Americans into Euro-American society, often disregarding their cultural practices and communal living structures. This approach was rooted in a belief that Native American ways of life were inferior and would hinder their progress into what the government perceived as modern civilization. In contrast, options that suggest granting authority to tribal groups or increasing landholdings do not align with the historical context of the late 1800s. Instead of empowering Native tribes, the focus was on stripping them of their autonomy and communal practices. The notion of granting full citizenship and unrestricted land also reflects a misunderstanding of the policies in place at the time, which instead constrained Native Americans' rights and ownership of land. Therefore, the true aim of the Federal Government was to dismantle tribal cohesion and impose a new cultural framework through assimilation efforts.

In the late 1800s, a dark chapter unfolded in the history of the United States regarding Native Americans. You see, the Federal Government didn’t just want Native Americans to become part of society—they aimed to dismantle the very fabric of their existence. The goal? To destroy tribal bonds and weaken traditional cultural values—pretty harsh, right?

Historical policies reflect this aggressive stance, especially the Dawes Act of 1887. This was more than just a piece of legislation; it was a well-orchestrated plan aimed at breaking up tribal lands. How, you ask? By promoting individual land ownership among Native Americans, the government thought it could spur them into adopting Euro-American ways of life. They believed that by severing the communal living structures, they could integrate Native Americans into a ‘modern civilization’ that they viewed as superior. But let’s pause for a minute—we're not talking about merely changing living arrangements; we're discussing a systematic effort to erase distinct cultures. The irony here is almost palpable: the government set out to improve lives, yet what it often did was strip away the identity of entire communities.

Now, let’s analyze the options presented in a typical question about this subject. Option A states: Destroy tribal bonds and thus weaken their traditional cultural values—this is indeed the right answer and quite unsettling. It accurately pinpoints the primary goal of governmental actions during this period. The other options, such as granting authority to tribal groups or increasing landholdings, just don’t align with what actually transpired.

Granting full citizenship and unlimited land to Native Americans? As if that portrayal of the government’s approach hadn’t been romanticized! The truth is that efforts during this time were all about restricting natives' rights and limiting ownership of their ancestral lands. It’s a misconception that needs debunking, and understanding it is crucial for anyone delving into this area of American history.

One could wonder why the Federal Government took such a harsh approach. Well, many policymakers believed that Native American ways of life were inherently inferior. In their eyes, they were paving a path for what they considered ‘progress.’ It’s a difficult pill to swallow, especially when you realize how these beliefs translated into real-life suffering and loss for many indigenous communities.

Consider this: when discussing assimilation during the late 1800s, think of it like an attempt to erase a language through a different, overwhelming one. Once tribal bonds were broken, the chances for linguistic and cultural richness started to fade, much like a sunset vanishing behind a mountain. This wasn’t just about land; it was about identity—everything that made these communities unique began getting overshadowed by a wave of enforced conformity.

In closing, the Federal Government's policies toward Native Americans were not merely administrative decisions; they were integral to a broader agenda aimed at cultural domination and societal change. It’s imperative for students preparing for any examinations or simply wanting to grasp this complex historical spectrum to recognize how deeply these policies affected tribal cohesion and their cultural narratives. Whether you’re a student of history or just curious about the past, understanding this context is vital—it’s more than just facts and dates, it’s about humanity and its myriad struggles.