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How were Native Americans treated during the westward expansion of the United States?

Brigid MacMichael

Hey there!

Great question. The treatment of Native Americans during the westward expansion of the United States is a complicated and controversial topic in American history.

As settlers moved westward, Native American tribes were often forcibly removed from their ancestral lands, leading to countless conflicts and bloodshed. The US government implemented a series of policies aimed at assimilating Native American tribes into American society, which often involved forced attendance at boarding schools, the loss of cultural traditions and practices, and the suppression of Native religions.

Additionally, many Native Americans were killed or displaced during westward expansion, as American settlers pushed further and further into their territories. The infamous Trail of Tears, for example, saw thousands of Cherokee Indians forcibly relocated from their homes in Georgia to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), resulting in the deaths of thousands due to starvation, disease, and exposure along the way.

Of course, not all interactions between Native Americans and settlers were negative. Some Native American tribes formed treaties with the US government, allowing them to retain certain rights and maintain their sovereignty. Others actively engaged in trade and cultural exchange with American settlers.

However, despite occasional positive interactions, it is clear that the treatment of Native Americans during the westward expansion of the United States was often brutal and inhumane. Today, many Native American tribes continue to face challenges stemming from the legacy of westward expansion, including poverty, health disparities, and ongoing unfair treatment by the government.

Hope this helps answer your question!

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