Native Americans' rights

Definition

Native Americans' rights refer to the legal and cultural entitlements that Indigenous peoples in the United States claim, which include land rights, sovereignty, self-determination, and protection of cultural heritage. During the period from 1844 to 1877, these rights became a significant issue as expansionist policies, such as Manifest Destiny, led to widespread displacement and conflict between settlers and Native American tribes, sparking debates about justice and equity in American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The period from 1844 to 1877 was marked by significant conflicts over land between Native Americans and settlers, with many tribes losing their ancestral territories through treaties often made under duress.
2. The U.S. government frequently violated treaties made with Native American tribes, leading to legal disputes and a loss of trust between the two parties.
3. Native Americans organized resistance movements, such as the Plains Wars, to defend their rights and lands against encroaching settlers and military forces.
4. The concept of sovereignty became increasingly important for Native American nations during this period as they sought recognition of their rights to self-governance and control over their lands.
5. Public awareness and advocacy for Native American rights began to grow during this time, laying the groundwork for future legal battles and reforms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Review Questions

• How did the policies of westward expansion during this period impact Native Americans' rights?
  • The policies of westward expansion significantly undermined Native Americans' rights by prioritizing settler interests over Indigenous land claims. The doctrine of Manifest Destiny fueled this expansion, leading to the forced removal of many tribes from their ancestral lands. Treaties were often ignored or violated by the government, resulting in further loss of territory and autonomy for Native communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treaties made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes during this time. What were some outcomes?
  • Treaties made between the U.S. government and Native American tribes were largely ineffective, as many were violated or unfulfilled by the government. Although some treaties promised protections and defined boundaries for Native lands, they were frequently disregarded when it suited settler interests. As a result, many tribes faced dispossession of their lands and a loss of sovereignty, leading to conflicts that would resonate for generations.
• Assess how the struggle for Native Americans' rights from 1844 to 1877 influenced future movements for Indigenous rights in America.
  • The struggle for Native Americans' rights during this period laid a critical foundation for future movements advocating for Indigenous rights. The legal battles and activism against unfair treaties and forced removal highlighted injustices faced by Native communities, sparking awareness among broader American society. This momentum helped catalyze later advocacy efforts in the 20th century that sought to reclaim land, sovereignty, and cultural identity for Indigenous peoples across the United States.

Related terms

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1851 treaty that established boundaries for various Native American tribes in the Great Plains and promised them certain protections in exchange for allowing settlers to pass through their lands.

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.

Dawes Act:

An 1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting individual plots of land to tribal members and selling off surplus lands to non-Native settlers.