Final answer:
The loss of land by Native Americans was due to European colonization practices, the establishment of private property, and policies like the Indian Removal Act. Unethical practices by land speculators and government officials, as well as military conflicts, also contributed to the displacement of native tribes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Native Americans and Loss of Land
The natives lost their land in the USA due to a combination of factors during the European colonization and continued American expansion. Economic development, cultural differences in the perception of land ownership, and the introduction of private property skewed in favor of European settlers led to the displacement and weakening of native communities. Land speculators and unethical government officials exploited natives through swindles and sales of tribal lands, often for the expansion of railways and settlements as America's population grew. Moreover, colonial conflicts, the spread of European diseases, military defeats, and policies such as the Indian Removal Act forced Native Americans onto reservations. The establishment of reservations was also detrimental, as these lands were often inadequate for economic prosperity, leading to high poverty rates and loss of traditional cultural practices.
Over time, the steady loss of land through treaties, war, and assimilation efforts targeted at 'civilizing' native tribes eroded their traditional way of life. This forced transition from communal to individual land ownership had profound effects on Native American societies. Although sovereignty is now recognized for Native tribes, the historical impact of these events is still felt today.