Question

What were the major failings of the Dawes Act? (Site 1)

Answer 1

Answer:

Historian Eric Foner believed "the policy proved to be a disaster, leading to the loss of much tribal land and the erosion of Indian cultural traditions." The law often placed Indians on desert land unsuitable for agriculture, and it also failed to account for Indians who could not afford the cost of farming. In addition to scant payment, Native Americans were not used to spending money and quickly spent most of what they received. Many were left with little land and little money. Inheritance also became an issue for many Native Americans who enrolled to receive land from the Dawes Act. The assimilation policy of the Dawes Act failed because it didn't take into account the social and cultural differences between the Native Americans and the white settlers. Many others like the Kiowas didn't want to assimilate into white culture and as such resisted.

Explanation: