Fundamental Goals Of Treaties Between The US Government And Native American Tribes

Treaties between the United States government and Native American tribes represent a complex and often fraught history of negotiation, agreement, and, unfortunately, broken promises. Understanding the fundamental goals behind these treaties requires a nuanced approach, considering both the stated intentions and the actual outcomes. This article delves into the core objectives of these treaties, examining the historical context, the perspectives of both the U.S. government and the Native American tribes, and the lasting impact on tribal sovereignty and culture.

Historical Context of Treaties

The Doctrine of Discovery and Early Treaties

To understand the fundamental goal of treaties, it’s essential to first grasp the historical backdrop against which they were created. The Doctrine of Discovery, a concept rooted in 15th-century papal bulls, provided the initial legal framework for European colonization. This doctrine asserted that European nations had the right to claim lands inhabited by non-Christians, setting the stage for the systematic dispossession of Native American tribes. Early treaties, therefore, were often used as a means to legitimize land seizures, with the U.S. government asserting its sovereignty over vast territories.

Shifting U.S. Policy Towards Native Americans

The U.S. government's policy towards Native Americans evolved over time, shifting from a recognition of tribal sovereignty to policies aimed at assimilation and removal. In the early years of the nation, treaties were often seen as a way to establish peaceful relations and define boundaries between the U.S. and various tribes. However, as westward expansion intensified, the government's focus shifted towards acquiring Native American lands for settlement and resource extraction. This led to a series of treaties that were often negotiated under duress and resulted in significant land cessions by the tribes.

The Treaty-Making Era (1778-1871)

The formal treaty-making era between the U.S. government and Native American tribes spanned from 1778 to 1871. During this period, the U.S. entered into hundreds of treaties with various tribes, each with its own specific terms and conditions. These treaties covered a range of issues, including land rights, trade, jurisdiction, and the establishment of reservations. However, many of these treaties were later violated or unilaterally abrogated by the U.S. government, leading to widespread resentment and conflict.

The Stated Goals of Treaties

Establishing Peace and Boundaries

One of the primary stated goals of treaties was to establish peace between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Treaties were intended to define territorial boundaries and prevent conflicts over land and resources. By delineating specific areas for tribal use, the U.S. government aimed to create a system of co-existence, albeit one that often favored its own interests. However, the reality was that many treaties were signed under conditions of coercion, with tribes facing military pressure and the threat of further land loss.

Acquiring Land for Expansion

Another significant goal of treaties was to acquire land for westward expansion. As the U.S. population grew and settlers pushed westward, the government sought to secure vast tracts of land for settlement, agriculture, and resource extraction. Treaties were often used as a legal mechanism to obtain these lands, with tribes ceding millions of acres in exchange for promises of protection, compensation, and the establishment of reservations. These promises were not always honored, and the tribes often found themselves confined to smaller and less desirable territories.

Regulating Trade and Commerce

Treaties also aimed to regulate trade and commerce between the U.S. and Native American tribes. The government sought to establish a system of regulated trade that would benefit U.S. merchants and ensure access to valuable resources. Treaties often included provisions related to the exchange of goods, the establishment of trading posts, and the regulation of economic activities within tribal territories. However, these regulations often placed tribes at a disadvantage, as they were forced to compete with U.S. businesses and were often subjected to unfair trade practices.

The Underlying Goals and Perspectives

The U.S. Government's Perspective: Manifest Destiny and National Interest

From the perspective of the U.S. government, treaties were often viewed as a means to advance the nation's interests and fulfill its perceived Manifest Destiny – the belief that the U.S. was destined to expand across the North American continent. This ideology justified the acquisition of Native American lands and the displacement of tribal populations. The government saw treaties as a way to legitimize its expansionist policies and secure access to resources, often at the expense of tribal sovereignty and cultural integrity.

Native American Perspectives: Sovereignty, Survival, and Cultural Preservation

Native American tribes, on the other hand, approached treaties with a different set of goals. For them, treaties represented an effort to protect their sovereignty, preserve their cultures, and ensure the survival of their communities. Tribes sought to negotiate terms that would allow them to maintain their traditional ways of life, control their own affairs, and retain access to their ancestral lands. However, they often found themselves in a weak bargaining position, facing pressure from the U.S. government and the threat of military force. Despite these challenges, tribes fought to protect their rights and interests, using treaties as a means to assert their sovereignty and resist assimilation.

The Disparity Between Stated and Underlying Goals

It is crucial to recognize the disparity between the stated goals of treaties and the underlying motivations of the parties involved. While the U.S. government often presented treaties as instruments of peace and mutual benefit, its primary goal was often to acquire land and resources. Native American tribes, while seeking peaceful coexistence, were fundamentally focused on preserving their sovereignty and cultural identity in the face of relentless pressure to assimilate.

The Impact of Treaties on Tribal Sovereignty and Culture

Erosion of Tribal Sovereignty

One of the most significant impacts of treaties has been the erosion of tribal sovereignty. While treaties recognized the inherent sovereignty of tribes, they also often included provisions that limited tribal autonomy and subjected tribes to federal authority. The U.S. government asserted its right to regulate tribal affairs, control tribal lands, and even determine tribal membership. This erosion of sovereignty has had profound consequences for Native American tribes, limiting their ability to govern themselves and manage their own resources.

Forced Assimilation and Cultural Loss

Treaties also played a role in the forced assimilation of Native American tribes into American society. Many treaties included provisions that required tribes to adopt Western-style education, agriculture, and social structures. The government established boarding schools for Native American children, where they were often forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their traditional cultures. This policy of forced assimilation resulted in significant cultural loss and had a devastating impact on tribal communities.

Land Loss and Economic Hardship

The treaties, while ostensibly meant to provide a framework for coexistence, often resulted in significant land loss for Native American tribes. Tribes were forced to cede vast tracts of land in exchange for promises of compensation and protection, promises that were frequently broken. This loss of land has had a lasting impact on tribal economies, as tribes were deprived of access to valuable resources and traditional hunting and gathering grounds. Many tribes continue to struggle with poverty and economic hardship as a result of these historical injustices.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Broken Promises

In conclusion, while the stated goals of treaties between the U.S. government and Native American tribes included establishing peace, defining boundaries, and regulating trade, the underlying motivations often involved acquiring land and resources for westward expansion. From the U.S. government's perspective, treaties were a means to advance national interests and fulfill Manifest Destiny. Native American tribes, on the other hand, sought to protect their sovereignty, preserve their cultures, and ensure the survival of their communities. The treaties, however, often resulted in the erosion of tribal sovereignty, forced assimilation, cultural loss, and land loss. The legacy of these treaties is complex and often painful, marked by broken promises and lasting injustices. Understanding the fundamental goals and the historical context of these treaties is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges faced by Native American tribes today and for fostering a more just and equitable relationship between the U.S. government and tribal nations.