Researching Post-European Native American Societies
After using the Cherokee Nation as a case study for how some Native American nations were changed due to European conquest, you will turn back to your own nation to examine how your nation changed overtime.
In order to do this, you will first look at your theory for how it was possible that so many Native Americans were wiped out because of European conquest. Knowing what you now know about the Indian Removal Act, make some adjustments to your theory and/or ask some driving questions for how the Indian Removal Act may have caused changes to your nation.
Next, research how your nation changed because of Europeans as well as what your nation is like today. Use some of the same topics that you researched last time to help guide your research. You may also want to research the affects of the Indian Removal Act to determine if it impacted your nation at all.
Location
Culture/religion
Population
Economic system
Diet
System of Government
Significant Geography (i.e. did they rely on a particular geographic feature such as a river, mountain, specific kind of soil, or access to the ocean to survive?)
Hint: Consider how their culture/way of life was affected by having to leave this geography if they were forced to leave.
Current Political Issues
Legislature that caused removal/reform of Native Americans
Resources
Indian Removal Act
The Dawes Act of 1887
Annexation of Territory and Creation of States (Manifest Destiny)
The Civilization Program
Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
Indian Appropriation Act (1857)
Analysis Questions
After you have finished researching your tribe, please answer the analysis questions below.
What changed about your nation when you compare your original research with your research you have done today?
What specific pieces of legislation led to these changes?
How has your research supported your original theory of how Europeans could have wiped out most of the Native Americans? How has your theory changed?