Allotment

Definition

Allotment refers to the process of dividing communal land into individual parcels assigned to Native American individuals or families. This practice was part of a broader policy aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into Euro-American culture by encouraging private land ownership, which was thought to promote agricultural development and self-sufficiency. The allotment system ultimately led to significant loss of tribal land and undermined traditional communal living and governance structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The General Allotment Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation that authorized the allotment of tribal lands to individuals, aiming to encourage farming and integration into American society.
2. Under the allotment system, tribes lost approximately 90 million acres of land by 1934, as many Native Americans sold their allotted lands due to economic hardship or pressure from non-Native settlers.
3. Allotments were typically small parcels, often insufficient for sustainable farming, leading to increased poverty among Indigenous communities.
4. The policy of allotment contributed to the fragmentation of tribal landholdings and weakened traditional tribal governance structures, as individual ownership replaced communal management.
5. The allotment era ended with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which sought to reverse some effects of allotment by promoting tribal self-governance and restoring some land to tribes.

Review Questions

• How did the allotment policy impact Native American communities in terms of land ownership and cultural practices?
  • The allotment policy fundamentally changed Native American communities by breaking up communal land into individual parcels. This shift promoted private land ownership but also led to significant loss of tribal land, as many individuals sold their allotments under economic pressure. Consequently, traditional communal practices and governance were weakened, contributing to a decline in cultural identity as tribes struggled with dislocation and poverty.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Dawes Act on Indigenous peoples and their relationships with the federal government.
  • The Dawes Act had profound consequences for Indigenous peoples, as it facilitated the allotment of tribal lands, drastically reducing their overall land base. By promoting individual ownership over communal rights, it undermined traditional social structures and often pitted community members against each other. Moreover, the act established a framework for federal control over Native lands and set a precedent for future policies that prioritized assimilation over sovereignty, ultimately straining relationships between Indigenous nations and the federal government.
• Critically assess the long-term effects of the allotment policy on Indigenous identity and political autonomy in contemporary society.
  • The long-term effects of the allotment policy on Indigenous identity are significant, as the fragmentation of land has led to ongoing struggles for cultural preservation and community cohesion. Many tribes continue to navigate the repercussions of lost lands and resources while advocating for political autonomy and self-determination. The legacy of allotment also complicates contemporary issues related to tribal sovereignty, economic development, and social justice, as Indigenous communities seek to reclaim their identities while confronting historical injustices perpetuated by federal policies.

Related terms

Dawes Act: A federal law enacted in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship to those who accepted the allotments.

Reservation: A designated area of land managed by a Native American tribe, where they can maintain a degree of sovereignty and self-governance, often created as a result of treaties with the U.S. government.

Assimilation: The process through which Indigenous peoples were pressured to adopt Euro-American cultural norms, beliefs, and practices, often at the expense of their own traditions and identities.