Discuss the evolution of federal Indian policy during the entire 19th century

Question

Discuss the evolution of federal Indian policy during the entire 19th century. Toward the end of the century the American government decided to adopt a policy that has been described as “Kill the Indian, Save the Man.” Explain what that means and be sure to provide examples of what the government did to carry out that policy.

Answer 1

Greetings Iglasia S. I am Jon G. I came across your question and asking for assistance with your assignment. First of all, I am here to help and will begin some brief points to make, as this particular questions has many, many possible discussion points.

The reason for this is because during the time span of the 18th Century, there were still a vast diversity of Native American communities which most people will refer to as tribes.

Also, during that time period, there were a number of states [which we know today] however, were not states then. And those states which were states has either little or not recognition of Native communities and others which did recognize the rights of Native communities within their borders.

Here are just two examples of those differences between states and especially the Federal Government. From 1800 to 1850, most states were predominately east of the Mississippi River. There were barely a handful of states west of the Mississippi River that acquired statehood. However, this is where a vast majority of Native communities still resided.

That would be the first point to make, the time between 1800 and 1850 which was based solely on eminent domain and settlers encroaching onto Native homelands only to areas occupied by the US. Other areas of what we now know as the United States were not owned by the US, but by other countries, such as Spain, France, Portugal, and Russia.

After 1850, until the turn of the century would be the other point, as other territories now acquired by the US, gradually become states. After failed efforts to exterminate Native communities and fearing being labelled as condoning and practicing 'ethnic genocide' the Federal Government modified how the tried to address those Native communities west of the Mississippi River.

There are a number of federal policies, aimed at acculturating Native peoples, through the Indian School policies by removing children from their communities and their families, working to prevent them to continuing their culture and language, and as you mention in the question, to "Kill the Indian, but Save the Man", basically 'Americanize' .

I've already given you a fair amount of information and haven't even described a few of the Federal Government's policies which tried to address their handling of Native communities. In all actuality, there is a great deal of information, but don't know how detailed you'd like to get.

I will be glad to help you with that, you can either email me back or connect with me by online lesson. I am here to help.

Oh...by the way, I am Native America and do lecture on this kind of topics.

Look forward to hearing from you. I sent you a more detailed response to your question. You are welcome to contact me for further information and tutoring.

Jon