Question

The purpose of the 1887 General Allotment Act and the 1898 Curtis Act was to:

a. Reduce the economic and political power of Native tribes.
b. Protect the economic and political power of Native tribes.
c. Ensure the sovereignty of Native tribes.
d. Enhance the cultural preservation of Native tribes.

Answer 1

The purpose of the 1887 General Allotment Act and the 1898 Curtis Act was to reduce the economic and political power of Native tribes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the 1887 General Allotment Act and the 1898 Curtis Act was to reduce the economic and political power of Native tribes.

The Dawes Severalty Act, also known as the General Allotment Act, allowed the president to divide tribal lands and allocate 160 acres of land to each head of a family. These allotments were held in trust by the government for a period of 25 years, after which the owner would gain full title and citizenship. Any remaining lands were offered for sale to non-Native farmers and ranchers.

In 1898, the Curtis Act further diminished Native tribal sovereignty by abolishing all tribal governments and opening up more land for settlement.