The Allotment Policy (jan 1, 1887 – dec 31, 1934)
Description:
Introduced through the Dawes Act, the Allotment Policy divided up reservations into smaller units of land (homesteads/allotments). Some hoped this would improve conditions for Native Americans. The act however, continued to ignore tribal nature of Native American life and continued the policy of trying to destroy it.
Native Americans were given land and after 25 years could own it outright and would be granted full citizenship and therefore have rights. However, this was not what Native Americans wanted and it meant little anyway as they continued to face discrimination. The government didn't understand and didn't try to understand the Native American way of life.
Added to timeline:
Native Americans and Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
