nixon and legacy to reagan

What did Nixon's message to Congress suggest about his attitude toward Native American civil rights?

Nixon’s message showed he was sympathetic toward Native American civil rights and critical of past government oppression. He acknowledged their poverty and lack of control over federal programs, aiming to promote self-determination, which was a supportive shift from previous policies of assimilation or neglect.

What was the primary shift from earlier policy towards Native Americans advocated by Nixon?

Nixon argued that Native Americans needed control over federal programs affecting them and greater leadership in managing their own affairs. This marked a shift from earlier policies of termination and assimilation towards self-determination and respect for tribal authority.

What specific policy did Nixon end?

Nixon ended the policy of termination, which had sought to assimilate Native Americans and abolish tribal recognition.

What were five key aspects of Nixon's reforms?

1. Appointment of Louis R. Bruce Jnr., a Native American, as Commissioner for Indian Affairs. 2. Return of tribal lands to the Makah, Taos Pueblo, and Yakama Indians. 3. Restoration of federal recognition for terminated tribes, allowing access to courts. 4. Preference for Native Americans in Bureau of Indian Affairs employment. 5. Improvement of education through the Indian Education Act and closure of controversial boarding schools.

Why was Nixon popular with Native Americans but not as favorably remembered by African Americans?

Nixon was popular with Native Americans because he promoted land returns, leadership roles, and education reforms. He is not remembered as favorably by African Americans because his civil rights record and broader social policies did not prioritize African American equality.

What was a highly contentious issue during Nixon's reforms?

The return of tribal lands was highly contentious due to the size of the land and competing commercial interests.

Why were Nixon's Native American policies cut short?

Nixon’s policies were cut short by his resignation in 1974, leaving many claims unresolved and limiting the extent of land returns and reforms.

What two pieces of key legislation did Ford pass, and why were they significant?

The Indian Self-Determination Act and the Indian Education Assistance Act. They were significant because they allowed tribes to negotiate contracts for education, health, and social services, and gave parents greater involvement in schools, promoting tribal control over federal funding.

What did Ford's legislation signal the end of for Native Americans?

They signaled the end of federal assimilation policies. This is important because it recognized the right of Native Americans to manage their own affairs and preserve their cultural identity.

How does the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act compare to the New Deal?

Unlike the New Deal, which provided economic relief and employment, this legislation directly advanced self-determination and cultural preservation by giving tribes real control over education and social services.

How did Reagan exacerbate the problem of slow federal funding?

Reagan cut funding and promoted 'native capitalism' as the path to self-sufficiency. This differed from his approach to African Americans, who faced broader systemic economic inequalities and civil rights restrictions.

What were three other areas of progress made by Native Americans in the 1970s?

1. Cultural Freedom: Recognition of tribal culture through the Native American Religious Freedom Act. 2. Repatriation: Protection of sacred objects and remains via the Native American Graves Protection Act. 3. Family Rights: Safeguarding the rights of parents under the Indian Child Welfare Act to prevent forced removal of children.