GILDED AGE: Native Americans

Question 1

Wider Debate

Answer 1

• Some argue that NA made gains during this period (Navajo- minority example)
• Most support the view that it was during this period that the Native Americans lost their independence

Question 2

Judgement

Answer 2

Far more regression than progress- NAs who made gains were minority

Question 3

Gains in Progress: Navajo

Answer 3

• Doubled size of reservation: 4 –> 10.5 mill acres of land
• Number of sheeps and goats possessed: 15,000 –> 1.7 mill

Question 4

Gains in Progress: Reservation Life

Answer 4

• Gave them opportunity to establish farming communities and better healthcare (essential with high death rates)
• Helped make it easier for their tribal customs to survive

Question 5

Gains in Progress: Boarding schools

Answer 5

• Two established away from reservations
• Gave NAs opportunity to find better jobs- Indian Agency Offices, intepreters, scouts for Army

Question 6

Lack of Progress: Economic hardships

Answer 6

Food subsidies - cut when the government faced with other demands

Question 7

DAWES ACT: Progress?

Answer 7

• Gave NAs opportuity to become landowners- meant they became full American citizens
• THIS ISN’T WHAT THEY WANTED

Question 8

DAWES ACT: Regression?

Answer 8

• 72 mill acres lost within 3 years
• Land was given to male head of family- worsened position of Matriarchal tribes like Iroquois and Cherokee