Dawes Act of 1887 free essay sample

Examines disastrous failure of law aimed at alloting land to improving lives of Native Americans. The land allotment program of the Dawes Act was a total failure in terms of improving conditions for Native Americans. The Dawes Severalty Act, also called the General Allotment Act, was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1887. The Act stipulated that Native Americans give up their tribal lands in return for individual land grants. Sponsored by Senator Henry Laurens Dawes, the Dawes Act was intended to promote the integration of the Indians into the homesteading way of life. The main effect of the Dawes Act, however, was to open up Indian territory to white settlers. As a land-rich tribe, the Sioux Nation was particularly vulnerable to changes in federal government land policy. Consequently, the Sioux lost a significant portion of their tribal lands as a result of the Dawes Act. The Dawes Act of 1887 was the most important piece of. We will write a custom essay sample on Dawes Act of 1887 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page .