The Dawes Act

What was the Dawes Act?

The Dawes Act was a law which distributed Indian reservation land to individual Native American families. They were given a plot of land, with the intention that they would become self-sufficient farmers.

Who authorised the Dawes Act?

President Grover Cleveland authorised the confiscation and redistribution of Native American lands.

When did the Dawes Act become law?

The Dawes Act was enacted in February 1887.

Why was the Dawes Act created?

The objective of the act was to:

• ❖ Further encourage Native Americans to integrate into white American society.
• ❖ Free up more land for white settlers.

How did the Dawes Act destroy Native American culture?

The Dawes Act helped to further destroy Native American culture.

• ❖ It undermined the tribal structure of Native Americans, as they were now citizens of the USA.
• ❖ It eliminated the need to hunt buffalo.
• ❖ It eroded Native American spiritual beliefs, which were often focused on their culture and tribal structure. Some Native Americans became Christians.