American Indians generally felt a deep sense of betrayal and concern regarding the land allotment policies implemented by the U.S. government, particularly through the Dawes Act of 1887. These policies aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing their communal lands into individual plots for farming. Many Indigenous people viewed these allotments as a direct assault on their traditional way of life, which emphasized communal land stewardship rather than individual ownership.
One major concern was the loss of cultural identity and heritage, as communal land was integral to their social structures, spirituality, and livelihood. Additionally, American Indians feared that the allotment system would lead to further land loss, as many lacked the resources or knowledge to profitably farm the allotted lands, making them vulnerable to further encroachment and exploitation by white settlers. In many cases, the land given to them was often of poor quality, which only heightened their struggles. Overall, the allotment program instilled a sense of mistrust and resentment towards the federal government, as it was perceived as a means of dispossession and control rather than a genuine effort to support Native American communities.
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