Read the passage from Chief Joseph.

Question

For a short time we lived quietly. But this could not last. White men had found gold in the mountains . . . . They stole a great many horses from us . . . . The white men told lies for each other. They drove off a great many of our cattle. Some white men branded our young cattle so they could claim them. We had no friends who would plead our cause before the law councils. . . . I labored hard to avoid trouble and bloodshed. We gave up some of our country to the white men, thinking that then we could have peace. We were mistaken.

–Chief Joseph,
Nez Perce

Which statement best sums up Chief Joseph’s point of view?

The arrival of settlers meant his people could live in peace.
It is wrong to steal horses or to brand cattle that are young.
The Nez Perces learned a great deal from the newcomers.
It was a mistake to welcome the Americans to Nez Perce land.

Answer 1

The statement that best sums up Chief Joseph’s point of view is:

It was a mistake to welcome the Americans to Nez Perce land.

This choice reflects his realization that their attempts to avoid conflict and accommodate the settlers ultimately led to more trouble and loss for his people.