Treaties with Native Americans
Treaties with Native Americans were formal agreements made between the United States government and various Native American tribes. These treaties often involved land cessions, where tribes agreed to give up their territories in exchange for goods, services, or promises of protection. Many treaties were signed during the 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting the U.S. government's expansionist policies.
However, many treaties were not honored by the U.S. government, leading to conflicts and loss of tribal lands. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 is one example, resulting in the forced relocation of tribes like the Cherokee along the Trail of Tears. Today, many treaties are recognized as legally binding documents that continue to impact Native American rights and sovereignty.