Conflict in the West Pgs. 257-262

Conflict with the Indians With the migration of settlers to the West, problems developed between those settling the Great Plains and the Indians who were living there. The United States government had promised these lands to the Indians in a treaty in 1830.

Problem #1 Railroad workers began killing the Plains’ Indians most important resource – the buffalo. In 1860 about 15 million buffalo roamed the Plains. By 1880 fewer than 1,000 were left. Without buffalo to hunt, the traditional way of life for the Plains Indians came to an end.

Problem #2 Gold was discovered on the Sioux Indian reservation in the Dakota Territory. A reservation is land set aside by the government as a home for Native Americans. Thousands of miners invaded the Sioux land searching for gold. The U.S. government tried to buy the land, but the Sioux refused to sell.

Problem #2 In 1876 U.S. soldiers let by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer marched to the Sioux lands. He attacked the Sioux who were led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. Custer was quickly surrounded by 2,500 Indians. Custer and all of his soldiers were killed. The battle was called the Battle of Little Bighorn.

George Custer Crazy Horse Sitting Bull

Problem #3 The U.S. government used force to move the Nez Perces Indians (NES PER suhz) to a reservation in Idaho. Chief Joseph refused. The tribe of 800 tried to escape to Canada. They were caught 40 miles from the border and surrendered.

Problem #4 By 1880 almost all Indians in the United States had been moved to reservations – except the Apaches. Led by Chief Geronimo, they fought the longest and hardest not to be moved. They were moved to a small reservation in Arizona.

Problem #4 The land was not good for growing food. The Apaches attacked and killed Arizona settlers. They escaped capture for 5 years. Eventually Geronimo surrendered which ended years of war between the Indians and the U.S. government.

Changes for Indians Once on the reservation, the government tried to change the Indians. Religion Farmers (160 acres) This effort to change did not work. In 1924 Congress granted citizenship to all Indians. In 1930 the government gave control of reservation land to the Indians. Great damage had been done to these people and their culture.