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Civilization Fund Act of 1819
This act, signed into law by President James Monroe, was the start of true assimilation of Indian tribes. The act provided funding for schools to educate Native American children. -
Indian Removal Act of 1830
This act, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, began a mass evacuation of Indians known infamously as the Trail of Tears. -
Reservation System Implementation
While the system had been in the works since 1785, the Indian Appropriations Act was finally passed in 1851. This began the US relocation of Native tribes to the west. -
Sioux Treaty of 1868
In 1868, following a massive war between Natives and the US military, a treaty was signed that ended conflicts between the Sioux Tribe and the US military. -
The Battle of The Little Bighorn
This battle, also known as Custer's Last Stand after the losing commander's death, was an infamous battle that took place on June 25th and 26th in 1876. The battle saw a massive Indian push derail US forces and obliterate them, resulting in the death of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and all his officers. -
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Assimilation Era
This marks the time period in which Native Americans were forcibly adopted into American Society. -
Dawes Act of 1887
This was an act signed into law by President Grover Cleveland in 1887. The act authorized the breaking up of Indian reservation lands for US use and ownership. -
Ghost Dance of 1890
The Ghost dance was an Indian tradition that originated in the 1880s. The dance came about because of the terrible living conditions of Indian reservations. The dance that was performed in 1890 by various tribes spurred on fear in the US army, which led to the Wounded Knee massacre. -
Wounded Knee Massacre
Also known as the Battle of Wounded Knee, this devastating battle occurred in South Dakota on December 29th, 1890. The battle was a direct result of the Ghost Dance of 1890. An estimated 200 Indians died that day. -
Curtis Act of 1898
The Curtis Act was an amendment made to the Dawes Act in 1898. This amendment allowed the US to shut down tribal governments that Indians once formed, resulting in the total breakup of tribal lands and territories. -
Termination of 1953
This policy, adopted in 1953, dissolved much of the protected status of Indian Lands. It is seen as being the end of assimilation in the US.