jan 1, 1887 - Dawes Allotment (Severalty) Act

Description:

• Dissolved legal existence of tribes
• Reallocated lands – sold off excess
• Forced assimilation
– Indian Schools movement



Legislation that allotted each head of household 160 acres of land; land deemed to be "surplus" beyond what was needed for allotment was opened to white settlers with the proceeds invested in education programs; designed to encourage the breakup of the tribes and promote the assimilation of Native Americans into American society.

Historical Significance:
Native Americans lost about 90 million acres of treaty land.

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