Final answer:
In the nineteenth century, Native Americans faced widespread displacement and loss of land due to U.S. government policies focused on land acquisition and assimilation of Native communities into American society. They experienced significant struggles, including poverty, inadequate education, and cultural dislocation, as a result of these policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The true statement about Native Americans in the nineteenth century is that they faced widespread displacement and loss of land. This era was marked by significant challenges for Native communities, where the United States government policies resulted in the removal of these populations from their ancestral lands and the attempt to assimilate them into American society. In many instances, treaties signed under duress or terminated agreements facilitated the forced movement of Native Americans onto reservations. Moreover, acts such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 legitimized the mass displacement of tribes, notably the infamous Trail of Tears. The culmination of the century saw Native American tribes in locations like Michigan losing up to 99% of their land base.
Facing a combination of poverty, inadequate education, and cultural dislocation, Native American populations struggled on the economic spectrum and had significantly lower life expectancies compared to other groups in the United States. The lifestyle changes enforced by American policies dramatically affected their culture, as traditional practices were often made illegal, and access to sacred areas was restricted. The push for assimilation into American society also affected every aspect of their lives, from land ownership and religion to language and dress.
As the pressure for western expansion increased, the rights and territories of Native Americans were consistently encroached upon. A series of confrontations ensued, known as the Plains Wars, which effectively resulted in the confinement of many tribes to designated areas, further disrupting their traditional way of life and livelihood. In conclusion, the experiences of Native Americans in the nineteenth century were shaped by their struggle against the expansion of American society and the loss of their lands and cultural identity.