Termination era

Definition

The termination era refers to a period in U.S. history from the 1940s to the 1960s when the federal government aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by ending the recognition of tribal sovereignty and dissolving many reservations. This approach was based on the belief that Native Americans should be integrated into the dominant culture, leading to policies that stripped tribes of their federal recognition, resources, and autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The termination era resulted in the dissolution of over 100 tribes' federal recognition, drastically affecting their rights and access to resources.
2. Key legislation during this time included the Indian Relocation Act and various policies aimed at promoting assimilation rather than respecting tribal self-determination.
3. The federal government believed that terminating tribal status would lead to economic independence for Native Americans, but it often resulted in poverty and loss of identity.
4. Public backlash against termination policies began to grow in the 1960s, leading to a resurgence of activism and a shift towards self-determination for tribes.
5. The termination era has had lasting impacts on Native American communities, many of which continue to struggle with the effects of lost land and diminished political power.

Review Questions

• How did the termination era impact tribal sovereignty and Native American identity?
  • The termination era had a significant negative impact on tribal sovereignty as it aimed to eliminate federal recognition of tribes, thereby stripping them of their autonomy and legal rights. This period pushed for assimilation into mainstream society, which led many Native Americans to lose their cultural identity and connection to their traditional ways of life. The government's efforts during this time not only undermined the self-governance of tribes but also contributed to widespread social and economic challenges for Native communities.
• Evaluate the consequences of termination policies on Native American communities during the 1940s to 1960s.
  • Termination policies led to severe consequences for Native American communities, including loss of federal recognition and access to essential resources like education, healthcare, and land. Many tribes found themselves struggling with increased poverty and dislocation as individuals were encouraged to move away from reservations. The assimilation efforts failed to deliver on promises of economic independence, instead creating deep social issues within communities. These consequences sparked activism that ultimately contributed to a shift towards policies emphasizing self-determination in the following decades.
• Assess how the termination era reflects broader themes of U.S. policy towards indigenous peoples, particularly regarding assimilation versus self-determination.
  • The termination era highlights a critical tension in U.S. policy toward indigenous peoples between assimilation and self-determination. It represents a historical period where the government actively sought to erase tribal identities under the guise of promoting progress and independence. This approach disregarded the importance of tribal sovereignty and cultural heritage, reflecting a broader pattern in U.S. history where indigenous peoples' rights were often sacrificed for perceived national interests. The backlash against these policies laid groundwork for future movements advocating for tribal self-determination, which now emphasize respecting native cultures and governance.

Related terms

Indian Relocation Act: A law enacted in 1956 that aimed to encourage Native Americans to leave reservations and assimilate into urban areas by providing relocation assistance.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, including making their own laws and policies.

Indian Claims Commission: Established in 1946, this commission was designed to resolve claims by Native American tribes against the United States for land losses due to federal actions.