Summary
The tense conflict between white colonists and American Indians played a notable role in the historical development of the USA and Canadians, reflecting on their social and international relationships. This clash was marked by extended series of bloody and devastating wars, the most acute phase of which lasted around one century. The reasons for this war were diverse, including the need for expansion, unsettled legislation, aggressive intolerance, but the outcomes undoubtedly were adverse for both sides of the conflict, especially for Indians. This paper aims to examine the background of land conflict between white settlers and native Americans, as well as offer alternative ways of its resolution.
The Background of the Conflict
In the region now referred to as the US West, many Indian tribes confronted the colonialists who initially peacefully coexisted with the Indians due to the low population density of the territory. In particular, the cooperation with the Indians was limited to the fur trade through the Oregon Way and the Santa Fe Trail. The peace treaty of the settlement of Bent’s Fort with the Cheyenne and Arapaho also facilitated peace with the locals, allowing the colonists to move along their trade routes through the territory of the Indians. Nevertheless, the situation radically altered with the discovery of the vast gold deposits in the Great Plains which resulted in the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush of 1859. To expand gold mining activities, there was a need to expel the Indian tribes occupying the lands.
In addition, the situation was destabilized by the Homestead Act enacting the transfer of spare lands in the western United States to the US owners and the intensive construction of a transcontinental railroad. Additional triggers include the discovery of gold in the Black Hills which sparked a new gold rush in 1875-1878, and the discovery of the Bozeman trail, causing the Red Cloud War (1866-1868) (Drew, 2014). Moreover, the expansion of settlers, miners, and ranchers into the plain led to growing conflicts with the Indian aborigines in the West. During the American Civil War, the volunteer infantry and cavalry formed by the California and Oregon governments actively fought against the Indians. Ultimately, the American government embarked on a course on the assimilation of the indigenous American population and the forced resettlement of many Indian tribes from their primordial lands to the reservation territories. Besides, tribes were also forbidden to raid each other, and any attempts to disobey were suppressed by severe punitive actions.
An Alternative Way of the Conflict Resolution
To prevent the escalation of the conflict at the early stage, the government should have developed an elaborate, humane policy directed at the peaceful promotion of a civilizational order among the Indians. This primarily implies fostering the progress of the native tribes’ culture in technological, educational, and legislative aspects. In this regard, Henry Knox indicated, “How different would be…that we had persevered through all difficulties and at last had imparted our Knowledge of cultivation, and the arts, to the Aboriginals of the Country” (“To George Washington,” n.d.). In particular, the policy was meant to be supported on the ideological ground via spreading missionary work among the Indian tribes which should be led by representatives of excellent morality and profound intelligence.
Besides, Knox suggested that it would be relevant to promote “a love for exclusive property” among aborigines since it would aid in the development of business (“To George Washington,” n.d.). Combined with the development of commercial cooperation, the officials could use the practice of making presents, including gorgets, silver medals uniform clothing, for tribes and their leaders to gain their affections. Such actions would also strengthen relationships between federal administrations and Indians.
In addition to the inculcation of values, laws, and views of European civilization, the government, by all possible means, could promote the preservation of cultural customs and traditions of native populations. The rights of Indians could be equal to the rights of white settlers regarding education, voting rights, employment, and so forth. Moreover, Indian tribes should have been allowed to form their governments, adopt laws, speak their language. It is worth noting that any expressions of discrimination from the latter were meant to be strictly penalized. Finally, any political conflicts or issues related to lands or natural resources should be settled on a diplomatic level through a compromise that considers the interest of both sides.
Conclusion
In summary, the paper has examined the issue of land conflict between white settlers and Native Americans and offered alternative ways of its resolution. The causes of the war primarily were a need in the occupation of new lands by white settlers and natural resources, unelaborate legislation concerning the issue of lands, aggressive intolerance from both sides. In particular, except for land, the most valuable and attractive resources that produced clashes were gold and coal. The alternative way would be the formation of appropriate policy targeted at the peaceful spread of a civilizational order among the Indian tribes through developing the native tribes’ culture in technological, educational, and legislative aspects. In addition, the rights of Indians could be equal to the rights of white settlers, and any signs of discrimination could be strictly penalized.
References
Drew, M.J (2014). A brief history of the Bozeman Trail. WyoHistory. Web.
To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 July 1789 (n.d.). Founders Online. Web.