Trail of Broken Treaties

Definition

The Trail of Broken Treaties refers to a historical period characterized by the systematic violation of treaties made between the United States government and Native American tribes, primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This term highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans as their rights, lands, and sovereignty were repeatedly undermined through these broken agreements, leading to significant social and political consequences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Trail of Broken Treaties' became prominent during the 1972 march to Washington D.C., where Native Americans highlighted the unmet obligations of treaties.
2. Over 370 treaties were made between Native American tribes and the U.S. government, most of which were violated or ignored over time.
3. The consequences of these broken treaties included loss of land, forced assimilation, and cultural erosion among Native American communities.
4. The era marked a shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans from treaty-making to direct control and management through legislation like the Dawes Act.
5. The ongoing legacy of broken treaties has contributed to modern movements for Native American rights, including calls for reparations and recognition of tribal sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did the Trail of Broken Treaties impact the social structure of Native American communities?
  • The Trail of Broken Treaties led to significant disruptions within Native American communities as treaties were violated, resulting in loss of land and resources. This loss affected their traditional social structures, as many tribes relied on specific lands for cultural practices and subsistence. The disintegration of these foundations contributed to a decline in tribal cohesion and identity, which persists in various forms today.
• In what ways did government policies evolve following the era encapsulated by the Trail of Broken Treaties?
  • Following the era encapsulated by the Trail of Broken Treaties, government policies evolved from treaty-making to a focus on assimilation through legislation like the Dawes Act. This shift aimed to integrate Native Americans into mainstream society by allotting individual plots of land and eroding communal tribal governance. The policies reflected a broader strategy to undermine tribal sovereignty and culture while promoting Euro-American values.
• Evaluate the significance of the Trail of Broken Treaties in contemporary Native American activism and movements for rights.
  • The significance of the Trail of Broken Treaties in contemporary activism is profound, as it serves as a foundational narrative for understanding ongoing injustices faced by Native Americans. Movements like the American Indian Movement (AIM) draw attention to historical grievances related to treaty violations and emphasize demands for sovereignty, reparations, and recognition. The legacy of broken treaties continues to inspire grassroots activism, litigation, and advocacy for better relations between Native tribes and the federal government, highlighting a persistent struggle for justice.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: A federal law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral homelands in the Southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River.

Dawes Act: An 1887 law aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship, resulting in significant loss of tribal lands.

American Indian Movement (AIM): A civil rights organization founded in 1968 that seeks to address issues such as treaty rights, sovereignty, and social justice for Native Americans, often through activism and protests.