The Dawes Act Of 1887 Worksheet Answers

Understanding the Dawes Act of 1887

The Dawes Act of 1887, also known as the General Allotment Act, was a significant piece of legislation passed by the United States Congress. It aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing their land into individual allotments. Here, we’ll explore the key aspects of the Dawes Act and its impact on Native American communities.

Key Provisions of the Dawes Act

The Dawes Act had several key provisions that aimed to change the way Native Americans lived and interacted with the federal government. Some of the main provisions include:

• Land Allotments: The act divided Native American land into individual allotments, typically 160 acres, which were to be held in trust by the federal government for 25 years.
• Citizenship: Native Americans who accepted allotments and lived on them for five years would become U.S. citizens.
• Education: The act encouraged Native Americans to adopt white culture by promoting education in English and Christianity.
• Tribal Dissolution: The act aimed to dissolve tribal governments and replace them with individual land ownership.

Impact of the Dawes Act

The Dawes Act had a profound impact on Native American communities. Some of the key effects include:

• Loss of Land: The act led to the loss of millions of acres of Native American land, which was often sold to white settlers.
• Cultural Suppression: The act suppressed Native American culture by promoting assimilation into white culture.
• Poverty and Unemployment: The act led to poverty and unemployment among Native Americans, as they struggled to adapt to a new way of life.
• Tribal Disintegration: The act contributed to the disintegration of tribal governments and the loss of traditional ways of life.

Key Players and Their Roles

• Henry L. Dawes: Dawes was the senator who sponsored the bill and played a key role in its passage.
• President Grover Cleveland: Cleveland signed the bill into law and supported its provisions.
• Native American Leaders: Many Native American leaders, such as Geronimo and Sitting Bull, opposed the act and resisted its implementation.

Timeline of Events

• 1887: The Dawes Act is passed by Congress and signed into law by President Cleveland.
• 1890s: The act is implemented, and Native American land is divided into individual allotments.
• 1900s: The act’s provisions lead to the loss of millions of acres of Native American land and the suppression of Native American culture.

Conclusion

The Dawes Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation that had a profound impact on Native American communities. While its provisions aimed to assimilate Native Americans into white culture, they ultimately led to the loss of land, cultural suppression, poverty, and unemployment. Today, we recognize the Dawes Act as a painful chapter in American history and a reminder of the importance of preserving Native American rights and culture.

Worksheet Answers

1. What was the main purpose of the Dawes Act of 1887? Answer: The main purpose of the Dawes Act was to assimilate Native Americans into white culture by dividing their land into individual allotments.
2. What were the key provisions of the Dawes Act? Answer: The key provisions included land allotments, citizenship, education, and tribal dissolution.
3. How did the Dawes Act affect Native American communities? Answer: The act led to the loss of land, cultural suppression, poverty, and unemployment.
4. Who were some key players in the passage and implementation of the Dawes Act? Answer: Henry L. Dawes, President Grover Cleveland, and Native American leaders such as Geronimo and Sitting Bull.
5. What was the timeline of events surrounding the Dawes Act? Answer: The act was passed in 1887, implemented in the 1890s, and led to significant changes in Native American communities in the 1900s.