American Indians and U.S. Citizenship — Reading Comprehension

The relationship between the United States and American Indian nations was complex and often conflicted. After the American Revolution, the new U.S. government viewed Native nations as sovereign groups, similar to foreign countries. Treaties were signed between the U.S. and Native nations, recognizing their independence. However, Native individuals did not automatically become U.S. citizens by birth or by living within U.S. borders.

This situation created a significant problem for both American Indians and the U.S. government. The U.S. wanted to expand westward and gain more land, while Native nations wanted to keep their land and their way of life. The U.S. government tried to solve this problem by making treaties that promised peace and certain rights. Unfortunately, many treaties were broken, and Native nations lost their lands despite promises made.

For a long time, the U.S. government treated Native nations as separate political entities. Native people were not considered part of the American nation, even if they had lived on the land for thousands of years. A Supreme Court decision in 1831 stated, "Indian nations had always been considered as distinct, independent political communities." This quote shows how the law viewed Native nations as separate from the United States, making it difficult for Native individuals to gain U.S. citizenship.

Many American Indians wanted to keep their cultural traditions and self-government. Others sought the rights offered by U.S. citizenship, such as voting and legal protection. However, the U.S. government often offered citizenship only if Native individuals gave up their tribal membership and lands. This policy created a difficult choice: keep one's sovereignty and traditions or gain citizenship with its benefits and responsibilities.

In 1924, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting citizenship to all American Indians born in the United States. Yet, even after this law, many states denied Native people the right to vote. The struggle for full rights continued for decades. Some Native Americans saw citizenship as a way to protect their rights, while others feared it could mean losing their independence and identity.

This history shows the contradiction between American ideals of equality and the reality faced by Native peoples. The story of American Indians and U.S. citizenship is one of negotiation, resistance, and adaptation. It demonstrates the ongoing efforts of Native nations to maintain their sovereignty while seeking fair treatment from the government.

Interesting Fact: The first Native American to serve as Vice President of the United States was Charles Curtis, who was a member of the Kaw Nation and took office in 1929.

What did treaties do?

What year was the Indian Citizenship Act passed?

Who was Charles Curtis?

Why did the U.S. want more land?

What was a result of broken treaties?

Why did some Native Americans want citizenship?

Native nations were always treated as part of the U.S.

What does 'sovereign' mean?