Final answer:
The settlers' main goals were economic success through farming, mining, and cattle ranching, often at the expense of the Plains Indians' cultural connection to the buffalo and land. Disrespect towards the buffalo was shown through excessive hunting and disrupting migration patterns, contributing to near extinction. This, combined with government policies, led to the loss of the Plains Indians' homeland and traditional way of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Goals of Plains Indian Settlers and Disrespect Towards the Buffalo
The primary goal of the Plain Indian settlers was to settle the Great Plains for farming, mining, and cattle ranching. They pursued economic opportunities and a better life, often replicating the habits of acquisition from their former lives. However, their expansion disrupted the existing lifestyle of the Plains Indians, especially in their connection to the buffalo. The settlers often showed disrespect towards the buffalo by decimating herds which were central to the Plains Indians' culture and way of life.
Despite the Plains Indians' sustainable relationship with the buffalo, the settlers hunted them excessively, sometimes for sport, nearly leading to the animal's extinction. This not only undermined the Plains Indians' food source but also their cultural practices and spirituality associated with the buffalo. As railroads and settlements expanded, buffalo migration patterns were interrupted, further harming the subsistence and traditions of the tribal communities.
Plains Indians' understanding of communal property and a non-acquisitive lifestyle was in stark contrast to the settlers' views. The perceived 'Indian problem' was addressed through treaties like the First Treaty of Fort Laramie, which established reservations but failed to respect the sovereignty of diverse tribes and often resulted in violence and forced relocations.
The Plains Wars and U.S. government policies contributed to the Plains Indians' loss of homeland and way of life. The settlers' actions and government policies reflected a lack of appreciation for Native American concepts of property and failure to recognize the rich cultural diversity among different tribes. This led to lasting consequences and disruption of the indigenous way of life.