Question

What central idea about the government of the United States is expressed in the 1879 Speech by Chief Joseph?
The government has misunderstood the wishes of Indigenous peoples.
The government has not even been willing to listen to Indigenous peoples.
The government has made many false promises to Indigenous peoples.
The government can never lessen the pain suffered by Indigenous peoples.

Answer 1

The government has made many false promises to Indigenous peoples.

Chief Joseph’s 1879 speech focuses on broken treaties and promises — he recounts how U.S. officials promised land and protection then failed to keep those promises, causing suffering for his people.