The Destruction of their Ways of Life

• Why were buffalo killed for economic reasons?


  Buffalo skins were turned into leather products for profit
• What was the US government’s policy regarding buffalo?


  It aimed to eradicate the buffalo to civilise Indigenous peoples
• How did buffalo extermination affect Indigenous culture?


  It destroyed their culture, particularly hunting rituals
• How many buffalo were left by 1890?


  Only 1,000 buffalo remained on the Great Plains by 1890
• What did Indigenous children face in boarding schools?


  They were forced to abandon traditions and learn Christianity
• What was a consequence of the Dawes Act of 1887?


  Indigenous lands were divided, promoting assimilation into society
• What impact did buffalo extermination have on food supply?


  Indigenous peoples became dependent on government provisions
• What happened to chiefs’ power after American settlement?


  The US government weakened chiefs’ authority, creating councils
• What did the 1890 census reveal about Indigenous population?


  Plains Indigenous population dropped from 400,764 to 248,253