Why did the United States government allow whites to take the Indians' land?

Question

In the 1800s, after the Civil War, white settlers started going West for economic ventures. In the process of settlement, they sent Native Americans onto reservations. Why did the United States government let them do this?

Answer 1

As already mentioned, the "savage" indians who lived nomadic and tribal lives weren't considered to be actual citizens of the country. The reclamation of indian land by white settlers was viewed by the government as justified because the "civilized" settlers had more of a right to the land than the "uncivilized" indians. The U.S. Army even got in on the game of land reclamation from the indians when gold or silver was discovered on indian land, as in the case of the Black Hills of South Dakota/Wyoming.

Answer 2

like the government today, some wanted to march in and take the land away and some wanted to protect the noble savages (today its Iraq, but thats another story). Anyway the western senators were for the pioneers, the gold and the land, the easterners from New England States were trying to preserve the indians.. It was a 'push-me pull-you type of relationship. The cavalry was there to protect the indians from the gold miners, at the same time trying to protect white settlers... Government agents on reservations were not always the good guys.

Answer 3

It was the US Government that created and sent Indians to the Reservations. The government was caught in a bad spot. Even when we had presidents who supported protection of the Indians on their land, the white settlers ignored the laws and attacked tribes anyway. And then you had Presidents like Jackson who organized our army to remove so many Indians from the southeast. He is responsible for "The Trail of Tears.

Answer 4

The United States was very hesitant to allow the Native Americans actually become citizens. They could do so by dropping their tribal affiliation and trying to assimilate to the white man. In reality, the government just want more and more land for the settlers to use to help the economy. It was a very horrible thing the white men did to the Native Americans, and I'm ashamed of the way they treated them.

Answer 5

At the time, the white man was the governement.

At worst, the government moved the Indians off in order to free up the land for settlers. At best, it was an hourable but stupid attempt to "civilize" the Indian.

Answer 6

It is worth remembering that prior to the Civil War there was little the Federal government could do to stop it. After the Civil War vested interest well represented on Capitol Hill tried to make sure that it did not try. One powerful set of interest was the railroad lobby - but they had friends and allies.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Native Americans couldnt vote and were not considered citizens of the US. The government repesented the mostly white "Americans", and viewed the natives as rivals and enemies.

Answer 9

Some were escorted by the U.S. Calvery, Govt. has always
wanted ownership of everything in this country. This is why the
Govt. now take in a billion dollars in taxes today every year !

Answer 10

because of Manifest Destiny. the US thought it was their right and calling in life to settle the west.