Indian Appropriations Act facts for kids

The Indian Appropriations Act refers to several important laws passed by the United States Congress. These laws were created during the 1800s and early 1900s. The most well-known acts were passed in 1851 and 1871. These acts greatly changed the lives of Native Americans in the United States.

The 1851 Act: Setting Up Reservations

The Indian Appropriations Act of 1851 set aside money to move Native American tribes in the West. The idea was to move them to special areas called Indian reservations. The United States government said these reservations would protect Native Americans. This was because more and more White Americans were moving West. This act was the start of the reservation system we know today.

Why the 1851 Act Was Passed

There are different reasons why this act was created.

• One reason was that Native Americans controlled a lot of land and resources. The government saw this as a possible problem for Americans who wanted to expand and grow their businesses.
• Another reason was that the country had a limited amount of land. Native Americans lived under their own tribal laws. This sometimes caused problems with the growing number of Americans settling on new lands. The government felt it needed a new plan to protect its citizens.
• A common idea from the 1830s also played a role. Many Americans, including President Andrew Jackson, believed Native Americans should move West for their own safety. Native Americans in the South were forced to move to the Great Plains. But by the 1850s, Americans started moving into those areas too.

Because there was no other land for Native Americans to move to, the 1851 Act placed them on reservations. This led to more conflict in the Great Plains region.

The 1871 Act: Changing How Tribes Were Seen

The Indian Appropriation Act of March 3, 1871, brought a big change. After this act, the United States government no longer saw any Native American group as an independent nation. Instead, Congress decided that all Native Americans would be treated as individuals. They were called "wards" of the federal government. This meant the government would act as their guardian.

End of Treaty Making

Before 1871, the government made treaties with different Native American tribes. These treaties often involved tribes giving up land. In return, they received specific lands for their own use. They also got payments like money, animals, or supplies. These treaties took a lot of time to create.

The 1871 Act stopped this practice. It clearly stated that "no Indian nation or tribe" would be recognized "as an independent nation." This meant the U.S. could no longer make treaties with them. However, the act also said that any treaties made before March 3, 1871, were still valid. Many people believe this act made it easier for the government to gain control of lands that Native Americans had owned.

The 1885 Act: Selling Unoccupied Lands

After many attempts by settlers called Oklahoman Boomers to enter Indian Territory, Congress passed the 1885 Act. This law allowed Native American tribes and individuals to sell lands they claimed but were not using.

The 1889 Act: Opening Unassigned Lands

After years of discussion, President Grover Cleveland signed the 1889 Act on March 2, 1889. This act officially opened the Unassigned Lands in Indian Territory to white settlers. This was done under the rules of the Homestead Act. President Cleveland signed the act just days before the next president, Benjamin Harrison, took office.

The "Sooner Clause"

The original 1889 Act had a special rule. People who entered these unassigned lands illegally, before the official opening time, would lose their claim to the land. These people were called "Sooners." This rule was known as the "sooner clause."

However, there was a lot of pressure to open these lands quickly. Later in 1889, an amendment to the Indian Appropriations Act was passed. This amendment allowed President Benjamin Harrison to be involved. It opened the unassigned lands for settlement under much less strict rules.