Why did Native Americans Stay in the West After It Was Settled by White People?

When considering the history of Native Americans in the Western United States, the question of why they stayed in these areas after white settlement remains a complex and often misunderstood topic. This article explores the various factors and historical events that influenced their decision to remain in the West, including the impact of policies like the Indian Removal Act of 1830.

Historical Context and Forced Removal

One significant factor was the U.S. government's Indian Removal Act of 1830, which aimed to relocate Native American tribes from southeastern states to lands west of the Mississippi River. This act and subsequent policies were deeply rooted in racial prejudice and the desire for land. The Act, signed by President Andrew Jackson, did not treat Native Americans with the respect and dignity that they deserved, and instead, portrayed them as obstacles to progress.

The Indian Removal Act and Its Impact

Passed in 1830, the Indian Removal Act was a stark example of the systemic disregard for Native American rights and lives. This legislation allowed the federal government to forcefully relocate Native American tribes to less desirable lands, often leading to harsh living conditions and significant loss of life. Many Native Americans were decimated by diseases brought by European settlers, such as smallpox, influenza, and measles, which decimated indigenous populations.

External Pressures and Environmental Factors

While the Indian Removal Act played a significant role, much of the movement and settlement of Native American tribes was driven by external pressures, environmental factors, and natural disasters. For instance, the Anasazi people, cliff dwellers of the American Southwest, were impacted by a 100-year drought, while the Comanche and Kiowa tribes were involved in the acquisition of horses and moved to more fertile lands in Colorado and Wyoming. Similarly, the Sioux and Lakota tribes moved north to the Great Lakes and later to the Great Plains, driven by the availability of resources and the threats of other tribes.

Geological and Climatic Influences

Geological and climatic events also played a crucial role in the movement and settlement of Native American tribes. For example, the large Lakota, Nakoda, and Dakota tribal group traces its origin back to a land mass in the Atlantic Ocean, eventually arriving in North America via ships. Over time, these tribes were driven westward by violent pressures, wars, and land seizures. The Dryas Climate Change, which occurred between 900 and 1400 CE, led to significant population shifts in the Southwestern United States. After this period, the Ute-Aztec, Kiowa-Comanche, and Navajo tribes emerged in the Southwest, displacing earlier civilizations like the Anasazi.

Survival and Resilience

Despite the harsh conditions and numerous challenges, many Native American tribes chose to remain in the West. The Shoshoni, Salish, Kootenai, and Bannack tribes, for instance, managed to stay in the region for thousands of years, adapting to the landscape and maintain their traditions. The survival of these smaller tribes can be attributed to their resilience and the strategic positioning of their communities, often in remote areas. The Cherokee, despite facing the "Trail of Tears," chose to remain in Oklahoma on the reservation, where they preserved their culture and community.

Conclusion

Why did Native Americans remain in the West after it was settled by white people? The answer lies in a combination of historical policies, external pressures, environmental factors, and the inherent resilience of these communities. Understanding these factors is crucial to appreciating the complex history of Native American settlement in the United States and the challenges they faced in the face of systemic oppression.