Position of NAs was poor even before Depression. They were particularly badly hit by economic problems of late 1930s and were therefore in need of gov support.
Background to New Deal and Native Americans
1 of 17
Some have argued that this was forthcoming and that through work of John Collier a 'New Deal' was achieved for NAs.
Background to New Deal and Native Americans
2 of 17
However, it must always be remembered when assessing changes introduced NAs were not interested in becoming US citizens - their concern was to preserve their culture and way of life, rather than achieving assimilation int US society as feds wanted
Background to New Deal and Native Americans
3 of 17
Most important Act that improved position of NAs was Indian Reorganization Act, or Wheeler-Howard Act, of 1934. Gave NAs greater role in administering reservations and est. of corporations on reservations to ensure resources were better managed
Improvements in position of Native Americans
4 of 17
Wheeler-Howard Act also allowed NAs to practice their own religion and helped them to assert their own cultural identity. Included use of hallucinatory drug peyote, which was used for religious visions
Improvements in position of Native Americans
5 of 17
Wheeler-Howard stopped sale of NA lands and recovered unallocated land, which was used either to create or expand reservations.
Improvements in position of Native Americans
6 of 17
NA children were to attend local schools and would learn about NA culture, rather than having modern culture forced upon them
Improvements in position of Native Americans
7 of 17
These reforms resulted in greater respect being shown to NA culture
Improvements in position of Native Americans
8 of 17
Tribes on reservations were again to be led by tribal councils - this encouraged tribal loyalty and ended gov attempts to break it up
Improvements in position of Native Americans
9 of 17
Training was provided for NAs to help improve farming and better medical facilities were provided.
Improvements in position of Native Americans
10 of 17
Allotment policy, brought in by Dawes Act of 1837 and which had led to poverty and hardship was abandoned and further loss of land prevented
Improvements in position of Native Americans
11 of 17
Wheeler-Howard Act continued policy of assimilation, which was not what NAs wanted. Their position was further undermined by policy of termination which was introduced after WW2, thus benefits of W-H Act were short-lived
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
12 of 17
Voting to decide whether to accept W-H Act was secret ballot among tribes. Idea of democracy was alien to NAs, preferred to use traditional ritual councils where matters discussed openly & no vote was taken. process regarded as white man's culture
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
13 of 17
Although NA tribes were organised into self-governing bodies, 75/245 tribes rejected measure
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
14 of 17
Idea of separate federal court for NAs was abandoned
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
15 of 17
As was often case, there was insufficient funds available to buy back former reservation lands that had been sold
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
16 of 17
Impact of developments has led some critics to argue any gains were at best short term and were often limited by financial demands of WW2, or NAs did not benefit from ND
The failings of the New Deal for Native Americans
17 of 17
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Background to New Deal and Native Americans
Back
Some have argued that this was forthcoming and that through work of John Collier a 'New Deal' was achieved for NAs.
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