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In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in the Bahamas on an island the natives called Guanahani. Christopher had mistakenly believed that he landed in the East Indies, naming the natives in this area "indians". This simple mistake caused this name to still be prevalent in modern times. https://nativephilanthropy.candid.org/timeline/era/epidemics-slavery-massacres-and-indigenous-resistance/ -
In 1493-1496, with the support of the Spanish monarchy, Columbus set off in search of gold and slaves to benefit their nation. During this journey, Christopher Columbus was backed up more than he was before. With more ships, people, soldiers, and horses, Christopher was on a mission. https://nativephilanthropy.candid.org/timeline/era/epidemics-slavery-massacres-and-indigenous-resistance/ -
Just a year later, Alexander VI made a public announcement that any land inhabited by non-Christians could be re-discovered and claimed by Christian rulers. These new rulers now had the power to take over native nations. Ultimately targeting the land that Columbus had found the previous year. https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/spotlight-primary-source/doctrine-discovery-1493 -
During Columbus's second voyage, diseases killed off thousands of Natives due to their lack of immunity. With over a thousand colonizers on ships, Natives could barely escape outbreaks. Smallpox, measles, and influenza spread quickly among the Native population. https://www.history.com/articles/columbian-exchange-impact-diseases -
An act signed by former President Andrew Jackson granted the ability to completely colonize and drive away the Native Americans from their own lands. Many Native Americans complied with this act, but some did not want to surrender. https://guides.loc.gov/indian-removal-act#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Removal%20Act%20was,many%20resisted%20the%20relocation%20policy. -
A couple of years after the Indian Removal Act was enacted, the Cherokees were forced to leave their homes in the Southeast parts of the United States. These Cherokees were forcibly driven out by the government at that time. This led to the death of thousands of Cherokees. The path that they took along their treacherous journey is known as the "Trail of Tears". https://www.britannica.com/event/Trail-of-Tears -
Indian boarding schools were made to have Indigenous children forget about their native traditions. A known quote, "Kill the Indian, Save the Man," depicts this time well. Children were forced out of their homes, abducted, abused, and starved when they would practice their Native traditions or even speak in their own language. These unfortunate children were sent miles away from their homes. https://boardingschoolhealing.org/education/us-indian-boarding-school-history/ -
During the 1870s, the House had new Representatives who opted for the removal of indigenous people. A new bill, named the Indian Appropriation Acts, funded the removal of indigenous people. Also stripping away any sort of independence from native tribes. This bill made it so the government could easily take over territory. https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/indian-appropriations-act-1871#:~:text=In%20what%20was%20supposed%20to,treaties%20with%20the%20United%20States. -
The Dawes Act was enacted in hopes of colonizing Indigenous people and making them forget about their 'native ways'. This act would break up tribal lands and grant parts of those lands to individual Native Americans. They believed that by doing this, Indigenous people would eventually completely adapt to 'white' culture. https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/dawes-act-general-allotment-act -
The Indian Reorganization Act was a bill directed to reduce the federal control of Native affairs while providing them with more self-freedom. This act was inspired by numerous people who recognized how helpful the Natives were during WWI. The Indian Reorganization Act allowed indigenous people to buy land and also stopped allotment. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Reorganization-Act
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