What policy toward American Indians did the federal government adopt in the nineteenth century?

Question

A.

The government made enduring treaties so that both the United States and American Indian nations benefited.
B
.

The government sought to destroy traditional American Indian cultures by forcing the people to assimilate.
C.

The government encouraged trade with American Indian nations so that all sides could economically benefit.
D
.

The government supported assimilation by providing American Indians with many opportunities on reservations.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. The government sought to destroy traditional American Indian cultures by forcing the people to assimilate.

During the nineteenth century, U.S. federal policy largely aimed at assimilating American Indians into Euro-American culture, which often involved disregarding and undermining their traditional cultures, languages, and ways of life. This was evident through various laws, such as the Dawes Act, which sought to break up tribal lands and promote individual land ownership among Native Americans, and the establishment of Indian boarding schools intended to "civilize" Native American children.