57

Lesson 57 of 84 ยท Westward Expansion

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The Dawes Act and Its Effects

๐ŸŒMission Brief #57

The Dawes Act was a law passed in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land.

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Then & Now

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The Dawes Act was a law passed in 1887 that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land. Instead of living on large communal lands, Native American families were given small sections to farm. The idea was that by owning land, they would adopt farming lifestyles and give up their traditional ways. Unfortunately, this law led to the loss of much tribal land and disrupted Native American cultures significantly.

Key Facts

1

The Dawes Act was passed in 1887.

2

It aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American culture.

3

Many Native Americans lost their tribal land due to this law.

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Question 1

1 of 2

What was the main goal of the Dawes Act?

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