Plains Indians During The 19th Century

173 Words1 Pages
During the 19th century, the policy of the U.S. towards Indians was to drive them further westward, breaking several treaties. The Plains Indians did not wish to settle down in civilized communities and instead preferred the life of a hunter. However, the westward expansions of the U.S. directly conflicted these interests, settling the once open prairies. The Indians rebelled because the white men violated their treaties, took away their land, shot them, and burned their homes. On the other hand, the Catholic Church tried to convert and gain equal rights for the Indians. Father De Smet, in particular, attempted to persuade the government to adopt a more constructive policy towards the Indians, advocating the establishment of agricultural