How has the US government historically treated Native Americans?
The United States government has a long and complicated history with Native Americans. Historically, the US government has adopted various policies designed to weaken the political and economic power of Native American tribes. When European settlers first arrived in North America, they often treated Native Americans as adversaries to be forcibly removed from their lands. During the 19th century, the US government adopted a series of laws and treaties that stripped Native Americans of their land and restricted their rights. By the late 19th century, most Native Americans had been relocated to reservations, with their rights significantly limited. In the 20th century, the federal government began to take more responsibility for the welfare of Native Americans, enacting laws such as the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 that emphasized tribal sovereignty. Unfortunately, these efforts were often undermined by state and local governments, which continued to pass legislation that curtailed the rights of Native Americans. For example, in Utah, Native American tribal members were not allowed to vote in state elections until 1957. Despite (or perhaps, because of) this long history of government mistreatment, Native American tribes have maintained their sovereignty and cultural identity. Many tribes in Utah and elsewhere now have the autonomy to make their own laws and regulations on their lands. While progress has been made, it is important to recognize the ways in which the US government has treated Native Americans in the past, and to understand how that history has shaped the present.
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