Introduction
The Indian Wars brought disastrous consequences to the native people of America, who suffered from discriminatory practices on a large scale. At that time, Jackson wrote that Indians were considered to have “no legal rights to any lands” after refusing to settle in specified locations (101). Such hostile behavior turned people’s lives into horror, causing numerous casualties and forcing them to change their way of living due to the United States’ continuous growth.
Causes and Origins of Conflicts with Native Americans
The nation’s economy was the driving force behind this persecution of the native population. The primary motivation for the conflict was the fact that Native Americans controlled a significant part of the lands that were essential for the United States’ economy and expansion (American Yawp).
Individual Settlers vs. Organized American Military
While the encounters turned negative once settlers began to look for prospects in the West, the fights broke mainly between different forces. The American military groups that were sent to move Native Americans from their lands forcefully became their primary combat opponents, as the refusal to leave was met with weaponized coercion (American Yawp).
Outcomes and Consequences of the Wars
The outcome was disastrous for the Indians, who lacked the firepower to match their opponents. After many defeats on the battlefield, tribe leaders agreed to peace, which limited their rights significantly (American Yawp). Native Americans’ culture, freedom, and social structures took a substantial hit as a consequence of this event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian Wars that were started by Americans’ striving for expansion led to a massive loss of life for many native tribes. Settlers who sought to explore the West did not plan on sharing the land with the existing communities, asking the government to send the Army for assistance. As an outcome, Native Americans were driven off their lands into reservations, while those refusing to accept such a fate were destined to be hunted by the U.S. military forces.
Works Cited
Jackson, Helen H. A Century of Dishonor. Digital Scanning, Inc., 2001.
The American Yawp. Stanford University Press, 2019.