Assimilation policy

Definition

Assimilation policy refers to the strategies and practices aimed at integrating Indigenous peoples into the dominant culture, often by erasing their distinct cultural identities and promoting Western values. These policies were prevalent in the United States, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, as the government sought to 'civilize' Native Americans through education, land ownership, and the adoption of Western customs. This approach was rooted in the belief that Indigenous cultures were inferior and that assimilation was necessary for societal progress.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The assimilation policy was largely driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny, which justified the expansion of American territory and influence at the expense of Indigenous cultures.
2. Boarding schools played a significant role in the assimilation process, where Native American children were often punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their cultural traditions.
3. The Dawes Act aimed to promote individual land ownership among Native Americans but ultimately led to significant loss of tribal land and cultural identity.
4. Assimilation policies faced resistance from many Native American tribes, who sought to preserve their cultural heritage and resist government pressures.
5. The legacy of assimilation policies continues to impact Native American communities today, contributing to ongoing issues related to identity, cultural preservation, and socio-economic challenges.

Review Questions

• How did assimilation policies reflect the attitudes of American society towards Indigenous cultures during the 19th century?
  • Assimilation policies were deeply rooted in the prevailing attitudes of American society that viewed Indigenous cultures as inferior and in need of transformation. This mindset was influenced by ideas like Manifest Destiny, which suggested that it was America's duty to spread its way of life across the continent. The government believed that by assimilating Native Americans, they could 'civilize' them and bring them into mainstream society, disregarding their unique cultures and identities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of boarding schools as a tool for implementing assimilation policies among Native American communities.
  • Boarding schools were seen as a key tool for implementing assimilation policies but were met with mixed effectiveness. While these schools aimed to educate Native American children in Western values and customs, they often caused trauma by separating children from their families and cultures. Many students resisted these efforts by maintaining their cultural practices secretly, demonstrating that despite attempts at assimilation, Indigenous identities remained resilient. The long-term impact on these children often included loss of language and cultural disconnection.
• Assess the long-term consequences of assimilation policies on Native American communities and how they continue to affect them today.
  • The long-term consequences of assimilation policies have been profound and multifaceted for Native American communities. Many tribes lost significant portions of their land due to laws like the Dawes Act, leading to economic hardship and erosion of traditional ways of life. The imposition of Western values disrupted social structures and cultural practices, resulting in generational trauma. Today, many Indigenous peoples continue to grapple with issues related to identity, language preservation, and social inequalities that stem from historical assimilation efforts. Understanding this legacy is crucial for addressing current challenges faced by these communities.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: A federal law enacted in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.

Dawes Act: A law passed in 1887 aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship, while also breaking up communal tribal lands.

boarding schools: Institutions established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries designed to educate Native American children by removing them from their families and communities, enforcing English language use, and promoting Western cultural norms.