Westward expansion is the 19th-century movement of settlers into the American West, which occurred in 1807 and lasted till 1910. The settlers were practically Europeans, and although they were interested in the history and origins of Native Americans (Indians), they were afraid of them at the same time. Misunderstanding and fierce conflict’s chain appeared between the nations and therefore put a stamp on American history. As it continued until the United States spanned the entire continent, the topic of the nation’s attitude toward Native Americans is essential to discuss. Three examples of harmful attitudes will be provided in this paper.
First of all, the United States had multiplied in size and was, at that point, almost the biggest nation on the planet. Notwithstanding, the interest in land continued developing as long as the individuals needed land to develop cotton, settle at new homes, and organize communes (Berkin et al. 2014). However, Native American clans possessed a significant part of the land that the US government needed. While the young nation was endeavoring to become more generous and more grounded, the Native Americans were attempting to keep up life as they were already aware of it. Consequently, the treatment of Native Americans has undergone severe changes during the time.
Second, arrangements between Native Americans and pilgrims were not beneficial to Native Americans. From the outset, the local clans were given a choice. They needed to either accept white culture or move off of their territory. President Thomas Jefferson offered land out West to the clans who favored their own specific manners. According to Berkin et al. (2014), the Native Americans who decided to receive white culture were called accommodationists, and those who dismissed white culture altogether were called traditionalists. Afterward, in any case, even the accommodationists had to relinquish (or surrender) their territories to the United States (Berkin et al. 2014). Therefore, the alternatives introduced to the Native Americans were not genuine decisions. In any case, they needed to surrender their property and way of life, which clearly reflects the nation’s attitude toward the Native Americans.
Moreover, the crucial point for the tribes that were uprooted (such as the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw tribes) is that leaving behind their familiar environment was the same as leaving behind their culture. That is why the Cherokee, for example, tried to accommodate in order to stay on their land and even allowed missionaries to educate their children in English. However, white settlers pressured the government to expand US territory further and move Native Americans farther west. Thus, they were forced to march thousands of miles west and leave behind their homes and crops (Berkin et al. 2014). Like the Cherokee, many members of the Choctaw and other tribes died in the process of relocation.
Finally, although many Native American tribes survived the US government and settlers’ treatment, they encountered extraordinary torment and misfortune. To the present day, clans keep on teaching their individuals about past shameful acts. They believe that this way, the young generation will comprehend the quality and assurance of their people.
In conclusion, it is necessary to highlight that three prominent examples illustrate the abusive behavior toward Native Americans. First, the US government evicted and deprived tribes’ means of subsistence. Then, it seemed that the Native Americans had a chance to relocate and live side by side with the US citizens, but it occurred that even accommodationists had a little chance to survive. As a result, those Native Americans who managed to live could not adjust to new conditions.
Reference
Berkin, Carol et. al. 2014. Making America, A History of the United States Volume 2: Since 1865. Seventh edition. Cengage Learning, 576.