Final answer:
In the late 19th century, the U.S. government's goal in collecting anthropological data on Native Americans was to assimilate them into American society and preserve what was thought to be vanishing cultures. This was part of 'civilization policies' and included efforts by anthropologists to collect comprehensive data, often resulting in museum collections, which have since been criticized for various ethical issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Late 19th Century, What Was the U.S. Government's Goal in Collecting Anthropological Data on Native Americans?
In the late 19th century, the U.S. government aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society. This effort was part of a broader agenda known as 'civilization policies,' which were based on the belief that Native Americans were 'uncivilized', 'barbaric', and 'heathen'. Scholars and anthropologists, often working with the Bureau of American Ethnology (BAE) at the Smithsonian Institution, collected anthropological data including material objects, language, and ethnographies to facilitate this process. They also pursued what has been called salvage anthropology, with the intention to preserve what was thought to be a vanishing Native American culture.
Methods of assimilation included changing Native American land ownership practices to align with the American emphasis on individual property, forcibly converting Native Americans to Christianity, mandating English as the primary language, and adopting American customs and appearance. In some cases, collections made by anthropologists went on to form the basis of museum exhibits or were used in legal claims against the U.S. government for lands taken without fair compensation. However, the anthropological practices of the time have been criticized for reinforcing colonial power dynamics, misrepresenting Native cultures, and disrespecting sacred traditions, including the gathering of human remains.