LAD/Blog #25: The Dawes Act

The Dawes Act of 1887 impacted Native Americans by dividing the tribes' lands among natives for farming. However, the amount of land granted was based off of age, gender, and social status. The act encouraged assimilation and promised citizenship after 25 years of living in civilization. This gave Indians the opportunity for education and equal protection of the law. The act also preserved the government's right to build infrastructure on the land.

The granting of 40 acres and a mule to newly freed slaves after the Civil war was similar to the granting of lands to Native Americans, as it was a way to transition oppressed populations into the American culture.