Changes in the U.S. government's policies in the 1900s had profound and often adverse effects on Native Americans, shaping their social, economic, and political conditions in several key ways:
- Early 1900s efforts centered on assimilation and allotment, marked by laws like the Dawes Act (1887). This act broke up tribal lands into individual allotments, undermining communal land ownership and resulting in significant loss of tribal land to non-Native settlers. It disrupted traditional tribal governance and communities, contributing to economic disenfranchisement.
- Native Americans were not granted U.S. citizenship until 1924, reflecting their continued second-class status despite being the original inhabitants of the continent. This delayed recognition limited their political and civil rights.
- The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 marked a policy shift towards restoration of some tribal autonomy and self-governance, though many hardships remained.
- From the mid-1940s to the 1960s, the government implemented the Indian termination policy, which ended federal recognition of many tribes and sought to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society. This policy ended federal support and tribal sovereignty for some groups, often worsening poverty and loss of services such as education and healthcare.
- Beginning in the late 1960s, policy shifted again toward tribal self-determination and recognition of sovereignty. Important legislation and activism helped restore some tribal governance powers, improve educational and health opportunities, and support economic development initiatives, including gaming enterprises. However, many Native communities still face high poverty, unemployment, health disparities, and social challenges.
In summary, while early and mid-1900s policies largely marginalized Native Americans through forced assimilation, land loss, and termination of tribal status, late 1900s policy shifts toward self-determination have aimed to restore tribal rights and improve conditions, though significant challenges persist.
