Reasons For Tension Flashcards
Reservations
Whites wanted to use the land which had been settled by the Indians.
The government set aside money for reservations in the territory which later became Oklahoma.
Indian Appropriations Act 1851
Provided more money to move the Indians.
On the reservation whites ’educated’ Indians on how to live.
This was not beneficial for the Indians. The Indians did not understand their way of life and did not learn skills needed to survive on the Plains.
Whites to the west
The government encouraged American citizens to move to the western territories.
The trails travelled by the whites were cleared of Indians to prevent conflict.
Whites could now cross the frontier between the USA and Indian lands.
Natural resources
Huge pressures on food supply lead to conflict between tribes.
Many groups demanded Army protection from Indian attack.
Fort Laramie Treaty, 1851
Lead to the creation of reservations.
Under the law, railroad surveyors and military posts were installed in Indian territories.
The need of whites were prioritised when it came to land use.
Plain Indians did receive allowances from the government.
Under the treaty any Indian had to pay ‘compensation’ if they attack the whites.
Outcome of the treaty
Plain Indians agreed to the treaty in return for $50,000 payment by the government.
This meant the Indians depend more on the US government for food.
The treaty led to an increase in the number of settlers along the Oregon Trail because they were protected along the way.
