Native Americans in the New Deal evidence

Question 1

Evidence supporting political progress in the ND for NAs. 3 main points

Answer 1

• The Indian Reorganization Act (Wheeler-Howard Act) of 1934 ended the Dawes Act’s allotment policy, restored limited tribal self-government, and established tribal constitutions.
• John Collier, appointed as Commissioner of Indian Affairs (1933-1945), implemented policies supporting cultural pluralism rather than forced assimilation.
• By 1939, 181 tribes had organized governments under the Indian Reorganization Act.

Question 2

Evidence supporting social progress for NAs in the ND. 3 main points

Answer 2

• The Johnson-O’Malley Act of 1934 provided federal funds to states for Native American education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.
• Native American arts and crafts were promoted through the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (1935), which helped preserve cultural traditions and provide economic opportunities.
• Native American population began to recover, increasing from approximately 250,000 in the 1900s to 345,000 by 1940.

Question 3

Evidence supporting economic progress for NAs in the ND. 3 main points

Answer 3

• The Civilian Conservation Corps-Indian Division (CCC-ID) employed more than 85,000 Native Americans
  between 1933-1942, providing significant economic relief during the Depression.
• Federal expenditures for Native American programs increased from $23 million in 1933 to $38 million by 1940, a 65% increase.
• The Indian Reorganization Act established a $10 million revolving credit fund for tribal economic development projects.

Question 4

Evidence AGAINST political progress for NAs in the ND. 3 main points

Answer 4

• The Indian Reorganization Act imposed Western-style governmental structures that often conflicted with
  traditional tribal governance systems.
• Only about 60% of tribes voted to accept the Indian Reorganization Act, with significant opposition from many Native communities.
• Federal policies still maintained ultimate control over tribal resources and decisions.

Question 5

Evidence AGAINST social progress in the ND for NAs. 3 main points.

Answer 5

• Many New Deal programs focused on Native Americans continued to promote cultural assimilation, albeit less
  aggressively than before.
• Indian boarding schools continued to operate throughout the New Deal era.
• Discrimination in employment and services remained common, with Native Americans receiving less
  assistance than white Americans in many New Deal programs.

Question 6

Evidence AGAINST economic progress in the ND for NAs. 3 main points

Answer 6

• The Navajo Livestock Reduction program (1933-1936) forcibly reduced Navajo sheep herds by approximately 50%, devastating their traditional economy and causing widespread hardship.
• Despite increased funding, the unemployment rate for Native Americans remained near 70% throughout the
  Depression, compared to 25% for the general population.
• Many reservations remained without basic infrastructure—by 1940, less than 10% of reservation homes had
  electricity compared to 90% of urban American homes.