Native Americans And The New Deal

Question 1

What was the Wheeler Howard Act?

Answer 1

This Act gave Native Americans the right to:

. Practice their own religion
. Undertake ceremonial dances and celebrations, thus reversing the Dance Order of 1883
. Prevent the sale of Native American lands to individual buyers
. Extend political rights to women

Question 2

What positive effects did the New Deal have on the Reservations?

Answer 2

. The New Deal saw the building of schools and hospitals on the reservations therefore improving conditions.

. The allotment policy was ended, and as a result the tribes could become more united and maintain their tribal culture and beliefs.

Question 3

What were the negative effects of the New Deal on Native Americans?

Answer 3

. The improvements made by the New Deal did not lead to Native Americans becoming self sufficient.

. Lands that should have been returned via the dissolution of the Dawes Act were not handed back.

. Much of the funding promised to Native Americans was withdrawn and put towards the war effort when WW2 began in 1941.