Exploring the Dawes Act of 1887

The Daws Act aimed to assimilate Native Americans by allotting individual land parcels, breaking tribal unity. Alice Fletcher, a key figure, implemented the act among the Nez Perce, facing resistance and challenges. Despite intentions to help, the act led to significant land loss for Native Americans, with devastating long-term effects.

What was the primary goal of the Dawes Act?

• To assimilate Native Americans into American society

• To preserve tribal lands

• To increase tribal sovereignty

• To promote industrial development

How much farmland was allotted to each head of an Indian family under the Dawes Act?

• 100 acres

• 160 acres

• 200 acres

• 320 acres

Who was Alice Fletcher?

• A military officer

• A U.S. government official

• A Nez Perce tribal leader

• An ethnologist and reformer

What was the reaction of the Nez Perce to the land allotments?

• They accepted willingly

• They requested modifications

• They resisted the changes

• They were indifferent

What nickname was given to Alice Fletcher by the Nez Perce?

• The land giver

• The measuring woman

• The law enforcer

• The peace maker

Why did Chief Joseph refuse to accept an allotment of land?

• He wanted to return to his homeland

• He was not offered enough land

• He wanted land in a different location

• He was opposed to farming

What was the outcome of Alice Fletcher's efforts after four years?

• She was largely unsuccessful

• She made over 2,000 Nez Perce allotments

• She resigned from her position

• She was promoted for her efforts

What was the broader impact of the Dawes Act by 1910?

• It improved Native American economies

• Native American lands were largely reduced

• It had no significant impact

• Native American lands increased

How did the population within the Nez Perce reservation change by 1910?

• It became exclusively Native American

• It saw a significant increase in white settlers

• It remained the same

• It doubled in size

What percentage of their land did Native Americans lose within 20 years of the Dawes Act?

• About 66%

• About 50%

• About 33%

• About 75%