Question

How did the physical characteristics of traditional Native American lands east of the Mississippi River differ from those in the new Indian Territory? Why do you think the federal government chose to relocate Native Americans there

Answer 1

the vast majority of Indians was removed –often forcibly.

Answer 2

• The physical characteristics of traditional Native American lands east of the Mississippi River were characterized by a diverse landscape, including lush forests, rolling hills, and fertile soil. In contrast, the new Indian Territory was largely composed of grassy plains and arid regions. This difference in physical characteristics had significant implications for the Native American tribes that were relocated there.

• The federal government chose to relocate Native Americans to the new Indian Territory for several reasons. One of the main reasons was to open up the eastern lands for white settlement and development. The government saw the Native American presence as an obstacle to this expansion and sought to remove them from these lands.

• Additionally, the government believed that relocating Native Americans to the new Indian Territory would help "civilize" them and make it easier to assimilate them into American culture. By placing them on land that was unfamiliar and challenging, the government hoped to force Native Americans to adopt a more sedentary lifestyle and abandon their traditional ways of life.

• However, the reality of the new Indian Territory was much harsher than the government had anticipated, and many Native Americans struggled to adapt to the new environment. The lack of resources and the challenges posed by the land made it difficult for tribes to establish successful communities and maintain their cultural traditions. Ultimately, the relocation to the Indian Territory represented a major disruption and upheaval for Native American communities, with lasting consequences that are still felt today.