Questions and Answers
The Dawes Act is also known as which of the following?
Who was the Dawes Act named after?
Senator Henry Laurens Dawes of Massachusetts
What were the objectives of the Dawes Act?
To lift the Native Americans out of poverty and stimulate assimilation into mainstream American society.
What was the purpose of the Dawes Commission?
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What did the Curtis Act of 1898 achieve?
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What significant act was supported during the Great Depression for Native Americans?
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What was the impact of the federal government's attempts during the 1850s on Native Americans?
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What were the important provisions of the Dawes Act?
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Study Notes
Dawes Act Overview
- Officially known as the General Allotment Act or Dawes Severalty Act of 1887.
- Created by Senator Henry Laurens Dawes of Massachusetts.
Objectives of the Dawes Act
- Aimed to alleviate poverty among Native Americans.
- Intended to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society.
Dawes Commission
- Established in 1893 under an Indian Office appropriation bill.
- Tasked with persuading the Five Civilized Tribes to accept allotment plans.
Curtis Act of 1898
- Amended the Dawes Act to include the Five Civilized Tribes.
- Mandated abolition of tribal governments and allotment of communal lands to tribal members.
- Required the sale of surplus lands and dissolution of tribal courts.
- Facilitated the transition of Indian Territory into the state of Oklahoma.
Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
- Sponsored by the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration during the Great Depression.
- Terminated land allotment, establishing a "New Deal" for Native Americans.
- Renewed rights for tribes to reorganize and self-govern.
Historical Context
- In the 1850s, U.S. federal government efforts to control Native Americans intensified.
- Increased European immigration led to competition for resources in Indian territories.
- Rising conflicts arose between Native American tribes and new settlers.
Key Provisions of the Dawes Act
- Head of family: 160 acres grant.
- Single individuals or orphans over 18: 80 acres grant.
- Persons under 18: 40 acres grant each.
- Allotments held in trust by the U.S. for 25 years.
- Eligible Indians had four years to select land; after this, selections made by the Secretary of the Interior.
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Test your knowledge about the Dawes Act with these informative flashcards. Explore its key terms, creator, objectives, and its impact on Native American society. Perfect for students and history enthusiasts alike.