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Jan 1, 1492
Christopher Columbus's First Encounter With Natives
Columbus notes that the natives "could easily be commanded and made to work, to sow and to do whatever might be needed, to build towns and be taught to wear clothes and adopt our ways," and, "they are the best people in the world and above all the gentlest." -
Jamestown
"Jamestown is founded in Virginia by the colonists of the London Company. By the end of the year, starvation and disease reduce the original 105 settlers to just 32 survivors. Captain John Smith is captured by Native American Chief Powhatan and saved from death by the chief's daughter, Pocahontas" (legendsofamerica). -
Smallpox Dessimation
Smallpox outbreak obliterates Native Americans in New England. -
Period: to
The French and Indian War
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Treaty of Paris Signed
Formally ends the American Revolution
Nullifies former agreements between British and Indians
The US now claims right to all Indian territory west of Mississippi. -
Indian Removal Act
Allows president to claim all Indian land east of Missippi, forcing thousands of Indians to relocate west -
Trail of Tears
First Cherokees that had resisted removal embark on what became known as the "Trail of Tears," forced out of their homes and all pushed westward into present-day Oklahoma -
Dawes Severalty Act
Gives the president the power to split up Indian lands and parcel them out in 160 acre lots to Indian "heads of household." Mcuh of the so-called leftover land was sold to the governement and white settlers. -
Society of American Indians Founded
Society of American Indians is created in Columbus, Ohio to help advance educational and career opportunities for Native Americans and giving them more of a voice in American society. -
National Congress of American Indians
This congress begins building on the efforts of previous organizations to advance the positions of Native Americans in modern American society as well as their voice in the US governement. It works to unify tribes through an alliance. It leads opposition to "termination" policies advanced by US gov't in the 50s.
