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29,400 BCE
New Beginnings
Nearly 30,000 years ago, the 1st Native Americans traveled to North America. This would be there home for generation to come, but someday would all fall apart, due to the pesky Americans. -
1497
The 1st English Settlers
Sailor William Weston set sail to reach America in 1497, where he would discover the "New World." Although his name was lost in history, he is still know for being the 1st Englishman to see America. -
American Settlement & Jamestown
With sights set on the "New World", King George III sent the Virginia Company to explore. What would eventually be their downfall, would establish the 13 colonies. -
French & Indian War
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French & Indian War
With tensions rising between British people and the Natives, war broke out. Some tribes sided with the French, the other with the British. A war the British would win, debts would be paid for Americans, which leads to allotment. -
American Revolution
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American Revolution
With conflicts rising between Americans and British people, war sparks. With taxes too high, and situations like the 'Boston Massacre' directly interfere with American society. Although the Natives would stay majority neutral, some fought with the British. Americans would eventually have conflict with Natives, but would happen until later. -
Indian Removal Act
Passed by Congress in 1830, President Andrew Jackson would force the Native Americans to Oklahoma Territory. This would lead to the infamous Trail of Tears, which Natives would face harsh realities. -
Trail of Tears
The displacement of Native American people after the Indian Removal Act in 1830, removed around 60,00 Native Americans to Oklahoma Territory. Natives were killed, harassed, and forced through hard times on this brutal trail. -
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American Civil War
After conflicts with slavery, the Confederacy was formed in the South. In a war eventually the Union would win, they would further displace Natives in their territory. The Indians would side with the Confederates, but ultimately fail. -
American Civil War
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Reconstruction Treaties
The Reconstruction Treaties, passed by Congress in 1866, were aimed to give Native land to the Americans, which they would use for their benefit in later encounters. These were the 1st treaties to break up the tribes into smaller portions of land, which were about half their original size. -
Dawes Act (General Allotment Act)
The Dawes Act was passed in 1887, with the goal of gaining more land for American Influence. This would lead to the famous "Oklahoma Land Rush" in 1889. Americans wanted to assimilate the Native populations, divide the tribes up further, and to gain land. -
Oklahoma Land Run
The Oklahoma Land Run was when the U.S gave free land to its people, the Americans. They were able to claim free land in the panhandle, then called "No Man's Land." This would be a pivotal factor for Native Territory, as this would lead to Oklahoma becoming the 46th U.S state. -
Indian Reorganization Act (Wheeler-Howard Act)
In 1934, The Indian Reorganization Act was passed by Congress to give Americans less control over the Native tribes, and to encourage sovereignty, the right to self-rule. This act was to reverse all previous destructive acts passed by Congress, like the Indian Removal Act. -
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Present Day
With all the treaties passed, and even more acts over the years, American Natives are recognized more than ever. With museums located all over the country, like the First Americans Museum located in OKC, and nationally recognition, the Native population is doing well and healthy.