From the 18th to the 19th centuries, the United States government systematically took away Native American land rights under several misguided and morally indefensible reasons. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted reasons behind these actions, focusing on common justifications like 'manifest destiny,' racism, and differing concepts of land possession.

Catatrophical Beginnings

Before delving into the reasons for taking away Native American land, it's imperative to acknowledge the catastrophic impact of diseases. Indigenous peoples, largely unexposed to common European diseases like smallpox and measles, suffered devastating losses. Estimates suggest that disease mortality rates among Native populations reached up to 90 percent, leading to significant cultural and societal disruptions (Smith, 2003).

Manifest Destiny and Cultural Misunderstandings

The concept of 'manifest destiny' was a justification for westward expansion fueled by a belief that American settlers were destined to expand throughout the continent. This belief was often accompanied by a disregard for the Native inhabitants and their rights. The term 'manifest destiny' itself reflected a profound cultural and ideological clash between European and Native American perspectives on land ownership.

Racial and Religious Discrimination

During the early 19th century, the U.S. Supreme Court deemed Native Americans culturally and legally inferior, making them non-citizens and deserving of none of the rights accorded to citizens. This sentiment prevailed even when Native tribes made concerted efforts to assimilate. The famous Cherokee case, seen in the “Dred Scott” decision, illustrated how racial and religious discrimination perpetuated these injustices.

The Cherokee Nation, among others, attempted to integrate into American culture and were literate and Christian. However, these efforts did not prevent the government from forcing them to leave their ancestral lands. The forced relocation of the Cherokee, known as 'The Trail of Tears,' became one of the most tragic chapters in American history, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans.

Techniques and Tactics

The U.S. government employed various tactics, including deceit, treaties, and military force, to push Native peoples from their lands. Th e technique of 'planting disease' and 'killing off the buffalo' aimed to weaken Native tribes both physically and economically. For instance, the intentional introduction of cattle diseases to buffalo herds disrupted food supplies and further marginalized Native American communities.

Legal and Ethical Gray Areas

Even before the influx of white settlers, Euro-American and African diseases decimated many Native populations, making it difficult for them to resist further claims to their land. White settlers often viewed the suffering of Native Americans as divine sanction for land clearance. The relentless encroachment by larger numbers of settlers made it nearly impossible for Native Americans to defend their lands, as exemplified in the narrative of "Little House on the Prairie."

Charles Ingalls, one of the main characters, held a prevalent attitude of his time: that Native Americans were not utilizing the land properly, thus they should yield to white farmers who intended to farm it. This mindset was echoed by other settlers and the government, ultimately culminating in policies like the Indian Removal Act.

Conclusion

The history of Native American land rights in the United States is a story of greed, racism, and relentless aggression. While progress has been made in recognizing and addressing these historical injustices, the legacy of these actions continues to impact indigenous communities today. Understanding the complexities of this period helps us appreciate the challenges and injustices faced by Native Americans and fosters a deeper understanding of diversity and equality.