feb 8, 1887 - Dawes Severalty Act

Description:

Key Event: The creation of the Dawes Severalty Act is a key event because it contributes to the loss of Native American culture during the 1800s.

Defined: The Dawes Act was created with the intent of assimilating Native Americans by enforcing western fashion, breaking up tribes, and providing individual plots of land.

Described: Americans had wanted to further remove Native Americans so they could purchase land for their own use. Many religious practitioners had wanted to introduce their faith to Native Americans and thought their teachings would be best received if they were fully assimilated to American culture. Hence, Cleveland signed the Dawes Severalty Act.

Short Term: Heads of Native families received 160 acres of land and were forced to live as farmers instead of hunter-gatherers. Native American children also began to attend school.

Long Term: The Dawes Severalty Act lasted for more than four decades. During the time, it was realized that the attempts to assimilate Native Americans to American culture were failing, as they experienced racism and the law severely limited the economic opportunities they would have. Tribes felt rage toward the government's attempt at destroying their culture. Their rage would fuel future conflicts between Native Americans and the U.S. military.

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