Which act was responsible for the systematic displacement of American Indians?

Study for the American History Checkpoint Test from 1877 to 1945. Explore multiple choice questions with detailed hints and explanations to ace your exam!

The Dawes Act was significant in the systematic displacement of American Indians because it aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by breaking up tribal lands into individual allotments. Signed into law in 1887, the act sought to encourage farming among Native Americans by granting them private ownership of land. However, it ultimately led to the loss of tribal identity and culture, as significant portions of land were sold off to non-Native settlers. The act drastically reduced the land held by Native Americans, resulting in significant displacement and the undermining of their communal way of life. It exemplified the federal government's broader policy during this period to integrate Native Americans into American society while simultaneously facilitating westward expansion and settlement by non-Indigenous peoples.

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