Termination era

Definition

The termination era refers to a period in U.S. history during the 1950s and 1960s when the federal government sought to end its recognition of tribal sovereignty and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society. This policy aimed to dismantle the reservation system and promote individual land ownership among Native Americans, leading to significant cultural, social, and economic upheaval within Indigenous communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The termination era was marked by the passage of laws that aimed to abolish federal recognition of tribal entities, leading to the loss of land and resources for many Native American tribes.
2. During this period, approximately 100 tribes were terminated, which significantly impacted their ability to govern themselves and manage their affairs.
3. The government believed that assimilating Native Americans would help solve social issues, but this often led to increased poverty and dislocation from traditional ways of life.
4. The policy was met with resistance from Native American leaders and activists who fought against assimilation and for the rights of Indigenous peoples.
5. The termination era laid the groundwork for later movements advocating for tribal sovereignty and self-determination, shaping future federal policies towards Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the termination era affect the political status of Native American tribes in relation to the federal government?
  • The termination era drastically altered the political status of Native American tribes by removing their federal recognition and sovereignty. The U.S. government aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society, which meant dismantling tribal governments and structures. As a result, many tribes lost their ability to make decisions independently and faced challenges in managing their lands and resources.
• Evaluate the consequences of the Relocation Program initiated during the termination era on Native American communities.
  • The Relocation Program had significant negative consequences for Native American communities. Many individuals relocated to urban areas in search of employment but often encountered poor living conditions, discrimination, and unemployment. This dislocation not only led to a loss of cultural identity but also contributed to social issues such as poverty and alienation from traditional communities. The program highlighted the inadequacies of assimilationist policies that overlooked the importance of community ties.
• Analyze how the termination era's policies prompted a shift towards self-determination movements among Native Americans in subsequent decades.
  • The termination era's policies led to significant discontent among Native Americans, prompting a resurgence of activism focused on self-determination in later years. As tribes experienced loss of sovereignty and cultural disintegration due to assimilation efforts, Indigenous leaders began advocating for rights that emphasized self-governance and restoration of tribal identities. This shift marked a critical turning point, with movements gaining momentum that pushed for federal policies recognizing tribal sovereignty, ultimately influencing landmark legislation like the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act in 1975.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act: A 1934 law that aimed to reverse the effects of assimilationist policies and restore self-governance to Native American tribes, countering some elements of the termination era.

Relocation Program: A government initiative during the termination era that encouraged Native Americans to leave reservations for urban areas in search of employment, often resulting in loss of cultural identity.

Self-Determination: The principle that Indigenous communities have the right to govern themselves and make decisions about their own futures, emerging as a response to the termination era's policies.