While proponents of assimilation debated the most expedient means through which native communities could be absorbed into the larger republic, there were many who advocated a different approach. Relocation, or removal, evolved into another significant aspect of America’s policy towards native communities. The thought behind this policy was simple--relocate the tribes and they would no longer be a source of concern. By and large, tensions between the United States and Indian tribes along the borderlands were the result of unchecked encroachment by white settlers. Even when the federal government began to enforce a ban on future settlements, small groups continued to advance on native lands and instigated renewed border conflicts. While legislation such as the Trade and Intercourse Act (and its subsequent incarnations) provided for the protection of Indian sovereignty and the extension of fair and equitable trade compacts, there was an equally vociferous movement that sought to absorb native lands for development and future settlement.
Big Problem for the States
Based in the southern portion of the country, the relocation movement sought to exploit the valuable tracts of land occupied by Indian communities. State governments were confounded by efforts to negotiate border disputes, trade, and land purchases with Indian tribes. The inability of the federal government to reign in independent settlers had been the cause of numerous border skirmishes throughout the early 1800s. When the federal government assumed direct responsibility for diplomatic and economic relations with native governments, special commissioners were appointed to speak with one voice for the entire nation in negotiations covering trade, diplomacy, and the purchase of Indian lands.
Treaties
As early as 1817, specially appointed government commissioners negotiated the purchased of large tracts of native lands. With the passage of the Trade and Intercourse Act, government agents were empowered to continue these negotiations. Those Indian governments that agreed to relocate would be compensated with large tracts of land in the western regions of the United States. Those tribes that remained were subject to government sponsored assimilation efforts--a policy that was receiving growing support within the federal government. By 1830, both assimilation and relocation combined to form the basis of American policy towards native tribes.
Sources:
Mark M. Boatner III, Encyclopedia of the American Revolution. (Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 1994).
Mark C Carnes, Ed. U.S. History. (New York: MacMillan Library Reference, 1998).
Marilyn Miller and Martin Faux, American History Desk Reference. (New York: MacMillan, 1997).
Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2000).
Carl Waldman, Encyclopedia of Native Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006).
 |
