Surplus lands

Definition

Surplus lands refer to the parcels of land that remain after the allotment of land to individual Native American families under the Dawes Act of 1887. This policy aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by dividing communal tribal lands into individual plots, leaving excess land that was subsequently opened up for non-Native settlement and exploitation. The concept highlights the significant loss of tribal land and the impact of U.S. policies that sought to diminish Native sovereignty and traditional ways of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dawes Act resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal land, with surplus lands being sold to non-Native settlers, further diminishing Native American landholdings.
2. Surplus lands were often viewed as a way to promote economic development for Native Americans, but instead contributed to their dispossession and poverty.
3. The policy behind surplus lands was based on the belief that individual land ownership would lead to the assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American culture.
4. Many tribes fought against the allotment process, as it undermined their traditional communal way of life and cultural practices tied to the land.
5. Surplus lands became a significant point of contention between Native Americans and the U.S. government, leading to legal battles over land rights that continue today.

Review Questions

• How did surplus lands emerge as a consequence of the Dawes Act, and what impact did this have on Native American communities?
  • Surplus lands were created as a result of the Dawes Act, which aimed to break up communal tribal landholdings into individual plots. This process left excess land that was then sold or given to non-Native settlers, resulting in significant land loss for Native American communities. The impact was profound, as it not only reduced their territory but also disrupted their traditional ways of life and social structures.
• Discuss the implications of surplus lands on the economic status of Native Americans following the implementation of the Dawes Act.
  • The implementation of the Dawes Act and the subsequent creation of surplus lands had devastating effects on the economic status of Native Americans. By selling these surplus lands to non-Native settlers, many tribes lost vital resources and economic opportunities that were crucial for their survival. This shift led to increased poverty among Native populations, as they were often left with inadequate land to sustain their communities and faced systemic barriers to economic success.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of surplus lands on Native American sovereignty and identity in contemporary society.
  • The long-term effects of surplus lands have been significant in shaping Native American sovereignty and identity today. The loss of land through allotment policies has contributed to ongoing struggles for legal recognition, reparations, and land rights among Native tribes. Furthermore, these historical injustices have fostered a strong sense of cultural resilience and activism within Indigenous communities, as they seek to reclaim their identities and assert their rights over ancestral lands in a contemporary context marked by both challenges and renewed efforts for sovereignty.

Related terms

Dawes Act: A U.S. law enacted in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting them individual parcels of land and reducing communal tribal holdings.

Allotment: The process by which communal tribal lands were divided into individual plots for Native American families, a key component of the Dawes Act.

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law aimed at reversing some of the damage caused by the Dawes Act, restoring some degree of tribal self-governance and control over lands.