Indigenous Peoples of California

study guides for every class

that actually explain what's on your next test

Allotment and Assimilation Period

from class:

Indigenous Peoples of California

Definition

The allotment and assimilation period refers to a significant phase in U.S. history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when federal policies aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society and break up tribal landholdings. This period was marked by the allotment of tribal lands into individual parcels, reducing the overall land held by Native American tribes, and pushing for cultural assimilation through education and legal measures.

congrats on reading the definition of Allotment and Assimilation Period. now let's actually learn it.

ok, let's learn stuff

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The allotment policy significantly reduced Native American land ownership from around 138 million acres in 1887 to about 48 million acres by 1934.
  2. Assimilation efforts included prohibiting Native American cultural practices, languages, and religions, leading to loss of cultural identity among many tribes.
  3. The federal government encouraged Native Americans to adopt agriculture as a means of livelihood, promoting individual farming rather than traditional communal practices.
  4. Many Native Americans resisted assimilation efforts, leading to various forms of protest and the establishment of movements aimed at preserving their cultures and rights.
  5. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a turning point, as it sought to reverse some effects of the allotment policies by restoring some degree of tribal self-governance and encouraging the preservation of Native cultures.

Review Questions

  • How did the allotment and assimilation policies impact tribal land ownership among Native Americans?
    • The allotment and assimilation policies had a devastating effect on tribal land ownership as they divided communal lands into individual parcels. The Dawes Act specifically aimed to promote individual ownership, which led to a drastic reduction in land held by tribes. As a result, Native American communities lost millions of acres of their ancestral lands, which significantly impacted their economic stability and cultural practices.
  • What role did Indian boarding schools play during the allotment and assimilation period in shaping Native American identities?
    • Indian boarding schools played a crucial role in the allotment and assimilation period by aiming to erase Native American cultures and identities. Children were taken from their families and placed in these schools where they were forbidden to speak their languages or practice their traditions. This forced assimilation created deep generational trauma within many tribes and led to significant loss of cultural heritage, as children were educated in Euro-American values instead.
  • Evaluate the long-term consequences of the allotment and assimilation period on contemporary Native American communities and their sovereignty.
    • The long-term consequences of the allotment and assimilation period have been profound for contemporary Native American communities. The loss of land, cultural disintegration, and forced assimilation created lasting challenges such as poverty, weakened governance structures, and identity crises within tribes. Despite these challenges, many tribes today are actively working to reclaim sovereignty, restore cultural practices, and recover from historical trauma, highlighting both resilience and ongoing struggles against systemic issues stemming from this tumultuous period.

"Allotment and Assimilation Period" also found in:

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Glossary
Guides