Civilization

Definition

Civilization refers to complex human societies characterized by urban development, social stratification, a form of governance, and cultural achievements. In the context of the Allotment and Assimilation Era, civilization is closely linked to the attempts by the U.S. government to impose Western values and lifestyles on Native American populations, often resulting in cultural erosion and loss of identity. The era was marked by policies that sought to integrate Native peoples into mainstream American culture, framed as a means of 'civilizing' them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Dawes Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual parcels of land and promoting private land ownership.
2. Civilization was often defined by Western standards during this era, with Native American ways of life deemed 'savage' or 'primitive' in comparison.
3. The government established boarding schools designed to 'civilize' Native American children by removing them from their families and communities and forcing them to adopt English language and Western customs.
4. Resistance to assimilation efforts led many Native American tribes to fight for their rights and maintain their cultural identities despite government pressures.
5. The push for civilization during this time often ignored the existing rich cultures, traditions, and governance systems of Native American tribes, leading to long-lasting impacts on their communities.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of civilization influence U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the Allotment and Assimilation Era?
  • The concept of civilization significantly influenced U.S. policies by framing Native Americans as needing to be civilized according to Western standards. This led to laws like the Dawes Act, which aimed to convert communal lands into individual plots, promoting private ownership. Such policies were justified under the belief that adopting Western lifestyles would improve Native lives, ultimately undermining their existing cultural practices and social structures.
• Evaluate the impacts of boarding schools on Native American communities in relation to the goals of civilization.
  • Boarding schools were established with the goal of assimilating Native American children into mainstream American culture, which was considered 'civilized.' These institutions aimed to eradicate indigenous languages and customs, often causing trauma and severing ties between children and their families. The impacts were profound; many children lost touch with their heritage while their communities experienced cultural erosion as a result of these assimilation efforts.
• Assess the long-term consequences of the civilization policies enacted during the Allotment and Assimilation Era on contemporary Native American identities.
  • The long-term consequences of civilization policies have profoundly affected contemporary Native American identities, leading to a complex interplay between traditional practices and modern influences. While many Native Americans strive to reclaim and revitalize their cultures in response to historical oppression, challenges remain due to past traumas and ongoing issues related to identity and community cohesion. These legacies continue to shape how Native Americans navigate their cultural identities today, influencing activism, education, and social justice movements aimed at restoring dignity and recognition.

Related terms

Assimilation: The process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of another group, often leading to the loss of their original culture.

Allotment: A policy that divided communal tribal lands into individual plots for Native Americans, aimed at promoting individual land ownership and farming as part of the assimilation process.

Cultural Erasure: The systematic removal or suppression of a culture's practices, languages, and traditions, often as a result of colonization or assimilation policies.