What DID THE dawes severalty act REPRESENT?
The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 allotted pieces of lands to Native Americans. The word “severalty” implies that the U.S. wanted to treat the Native Americans as individuals, rather than members of tribes. However, this act was put into effect in response to pressure from buffalo hunters who wanted unlimited access to buffalo herds. Therefore, the Dawes Act is yet another example of the exploiting nature of the U.S. government.
