How Many Treaties Has The US Broken With Native Tribes
Readers, have you ever wondered about the complex relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes? The history of this relationship is marked by a series of treaties, some honored, many broken. But how many treaties have actually been violated? This is a question that has haunted many minds, and it’s not easy to find a definitive answer. I’ve spent years researching this topic, digging through historical records and analyzing the legal landscape. The answer, sadly, is: **The US has broken many treaties with Native American tribes, leaving a legacy of broken promises and violated rights.** **The number isn’t precise, but the impact of these broken treaties is undeniable.**
Understanding the History of Treaties
To understand the scope of broken treaties, we need to delve into the historical context. The United States government has a long history of negotiating treaties with Native American tribes, beginning with the very formation of the nation. These treaties were seen as formal agreements, establishing boundaries, defining rights, and outlining responsibilities. However, the reality differed dramatically from the ideal.
The Early Years: A Time of Promise and Deception
The early treaties, often negotiated under pressure and with Native American tribes facing immense hardship, were often based on promises and guarantees that were never fulfilled. These agreements were seen as tools to acquire land and resources while minimizing conflict, but they often resulted in forced relocation, the loss of traditional lands, and the erosion of Native American self-governance.
Broken Promises and the Trail of Tears
One of the most infamous examples of a broken treaty is the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of thousands of Native Americans, primarily Cherokee, from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to what is now Oklahoma. This brutal journey, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in unimaginable suffering and loss of life. The treaty that allegedly granted the Cherokees land in Oklahoma was never fully honored, leading to further injustices and displacement. The Trail of Tears serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of broken treaties.
The Role of Manifest Destiny
The United States government’s westward expansion, driven by the ideology of Manifest Destiny, played a significant role in the violation of tribal treaties. This belief that it was America’s destiny to control the entire continent justified the relentless pursuit of land and resources, often at the expense of Native American rights. As the nation expanded westward, Native American tribes found themselves pushed onto increasingly smaller and less desirable lands, their treaties repeatedly disregarded or reinterpreted to serve the interests of the United States.
The Lasting Impact: A Legacy of Broken Trust
The impact of broken treaties extends far beyond the historical context. These violations have created a legacy of distrust, deprivation, and a sense of injustice that continues to affect Native American communities today. The broken promises of treaties have contributed to the marginalization and poverty that many Native American tribes face. The legacy of broken treaties highlights the systemic racism and disregard for the fundamental rights of Native Americans that have persisted through history.
Treaties: A Foundation for Understanding
Understanding the history of treaties is crucial for understanding the complex relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes. These treaties represent a legal and moral framework that laid the foundation for both cooperation and conflict. By acknowledging the history of broken promises, we can begin to address the injustices of the past and work towards a future where Native American rights are respected and honored.
Key Examples of Treaties Broken
To better grasp the extent of the problem, let’s examine some specific instances of broken treaties:
The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851 (Sioux)
This treaty promised the Lakota Sioux a vast territory in the Black Hills of South Dakota. However, in 1874, gold was discovered in the Black Hills, prompting a massive influx of miners. The U.S. government disregarded the treaty, violating the Lakota Sioux’s rights and leading to the Battle of Little Bighorn. This event highlights the government’s willingness to disregard tribal agreements for economic gain.
The Treaty of Medicine Lodge Creek (Cheyenne and Arapaho)
This treaty of 1867 promised the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes specific lands in Oklahoma. However, the government repeatedly violated the treaty, shrinking the tribes’ reservations and forcing them into smaller and less fertile areas. This ongoing violation of treaty obligations led to further injustices and displacement for these tribes.
The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek (Choctaw)
The Choctaw Nation was forced to cede their homelands in Mississippi in 1830 under the threat of military action. The treaty promised them compensation for their losses, but the land they were given in Oklahoma was far inferior, and the promised compensation was never fully delivered. The Choctaw people were forced to endure hardship and injustice as a consequence of a broken treaty.
The Ongoing Struggle for Recognition and Reparations
The legacy of broken treaties continues to shape the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States government. Many tribes are still fighting for recognition of their treaty rights, seeking reparations for past injustices, and advocating for self-determination. The quest for justice and recognition is a long and complex process, but it is a necessary step towards healing the wounds of the past.
The Future of Treaties and Native American Rights
The future of treaties and Native American rights is uncertain. Despite the historical record of broken promises, there are signs of progress. Some tribes have achieved greater self-governance and economic autonomy, while others are working to reclaim their ancestral lands. The federal government has taken some steps to acknowledge past injustices and to work towards a more equitable relationship with Native American tribes. However, much remains to be done. The United States must continue to honor its treaty obligations, respect Native American sovereignty, and address the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and discrimination.
A Table of Key Treaty Violations
Here is a table summarizing some of the major treaty violations:
| Treaty | Tribe | Year | Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Laramie Treaty | Lakota Sioux | 1851 | Government violated treaty by allowing miners to access Black Hills. |
| Treaty of Medicine Lodge Creek | Cheyenne & Arapaho | 1867 | Government repeatedly shrunk reservations and forced tribes onto less fertile land. |
| Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek | Choctaw | 1830 | Choctaw were forced to cede land and were not given full promised compensation. |
FAQs about Treaties and Native American Tribes
Why are treaties important to Native American tribes?
Treaties are essential for Native American tribes because they are the legal and moral basis for the relationship between tribes and the United States government. They establish boundaries, rights, and responsibilities, and they serve as a framework for a peaceful and respectful co-existence.
How many treaties have been broken with Native American tribes?
It is difficult to determine an exact number of broken treaties, as many treaties were violated in multiple ways over time. However, it is clear that the United States government has a long history of disregarding treaty obligations and violating Native American rights.
What can be done to address the legacy of broken treaties?
Addressing the legacy of broken treaties requires a multifaceted approach, including acknowledging past injustices, honoring treaty obligations, providing reparations for past harms, and promoting self-determination and sovereignty for Native American tribes.
Conclusion
The history of treaties with Native American tribes is a complex and often tragic one. The United States government has broken countless promises, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of Native Americans. While there is no easy solution to this historical wrong, understanding the past is essential for moving forward. By learning from past mistakes and embracing a spirit of reconciliation, the United States can work towards a future where treaties are honored and Native American rights are respected. For more information on this topic, visit our other blog posts about Native American History and Rights, or explore our resources on the history of treaties and the lasting impact on Native American communities.
The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with the history of its Indigenous peoples. From the first settlements to the present day, the relationship between the government and tribes has been marked by both conflict and cooperation. One of the most significant aspects of this relationship has been the signing of treaties. These agreements, often forged through negotiation and compromise, aimed to establish boundaries, regulate trade, and protect the rights of Native Americans. Unfortunately, the United States has a long and troubling history of violating these treaties.
The pattern of treaty violations began early in the nation’s history and continued for centuries. In many instances, the government simply disregarded the terms of the treaties, encroaching on tribal lands, seizing resources, and removing Native Americans from their ancestral homelands. The forced removal of the Cherokee Nation in the 1830s, known as the Trail of Tears, is a particularly tragic example of this policy. This journey, forced upon the Cherokee by the U.S. government, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans, who were forced to walk hundreds of miles in harsh conditions. It’s a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of treaty violations.
The legacy of broken treaties continues to have a profound impact on Native American communities today. The loss of land, resources, and cultural heritage has left many tribes struggling with poverty, unemployment, and health disparities. The impact of this historical injustice, however, goes far beyond material losses. It has eroded trust, created deep divisions, and left a lasting scar on the relationship between the United States and its Indigenous peoples. Acknowledging and addressing the history of broken treaties is essential for fostering reconciliation and creating a more just and equitable future for all.
Uncover the shocking truth: How many treaties has the US broken with Native tribes? Explore the history of injustice and fight for recognition.