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Indians On The Move: Native American Mobility And Urbanization In The Twentieth Century (Critical Indigeneities)

Dylan Hayes

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The twentieth century witnessed significant changes in Native American mobility and urbanization patterns. These changes were driven by a complex interplay of factors, including federal policies, economic opportunities, and social and cultural transformation. In this article, we will explore the multifaceted nature of Native American mobility and urbanization in the twentieth century, examining the various forces that shaped these processes and their impact on Native American communities.

Federal Policies

Federal policies played a crucial role in shaping Native American mobility and urbanization patterns. The General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act, was a central policy that transformed Native American landownership and communal living arrangements. Under the Dawes Act, Native American reservations were divided into individual allotments, with the aim of promoting assimilation and self-sufficiency. This policy led to the loss of millions of acres of Native American land and disrupted traditional patterns of land use and community organization.

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted Native Americans U.S. citizenship and the right to vote. However, citizenship did not immediately lead to full equality or economic opportunity. Native Americans continued to face significant barriers to education, employment, and housing in many areas.

Indians on the Move: Native American Mobility and Urbanization in the Twentieth Century (Critical Indigeneities)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages

The Indian Relocation Act of 1956 was another major federal policy that influenced Native American urbanization. This act aimed to promote economic development and assimilation by encouraging Native Americans to relocate from reservations to urban areas. The program provided financial incentives and job placement assistance for Native Americans who wished to move to cities.

Economic Opportunities

Economic opportunities were another important factor that influenced Native American mobility and urbanization. The twentieth century saw the expansion of the U.S. economy and the creation of new industries in cities. Native Americans began to migrate to cities in search of jobs and better living conditions. The high unemployment rates on reservations and the lack of economic development in rural areas contributed to the movement of Native Americans to urban centers.

Native Americans faced challenges in urban areas as well. Discrimination in employment, housing, and education limited their opportunities for economic and social advancement. Many Native Americans lived in poverty and faced high rates of unemployment.

Social and Cultural Transformation

The twentieth century also witnessed significant social and cultural changes within Native American communities. The impact of colonization and assimilation policies had weakened traditional tribal structures and cultural practices. Native Americans sought to adapt to the changing world while also preserving their cultural heritage. Urbanization offered new opportunities for Native Americans to connect with other Native communities and to engage in cultural revitalization efforts.

Pan-Indianism, a movement that promoted unity and solidarity among Native Americans from diverse tribes, gained momentum in the twentieth century. Urban centers became hubs for pan-Indian organizations and cultural events. Native American activists and artists used urban spaces to advocate for their rights and to express their cultural identity.

The Impact of Urbanization

The urbanization of Native Americans in the twentieth century had both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, cities provided access to jobs, education, and healthcare that were not available on reservations. Native Americans in urban areas could participate more fully in the mainstream economy and society.

On the other hand, urbanization also presented challenges. Native Americans in cities faced discrimination, poverty, and cultural dislocation. Many experienced a sense of isolation and alienation from their traditional communities and cultural values. The urban environment could be overwhelming and difficult to navigate for Native Americans who were accustomed to the close-knit communities of reservations.

Native American mobility and urbanization in the twentieth century were complex and multifaceted processes. Federal policies, economic opportunities, and social and cultural transformation all played a role in shaping the patterns of migration and adaptation. The urbanization of Native Americans had both positive and negative effects, providing opportunities for economic and social advancement while also posing challenges related to discrimination, poverty, and cultural dislocation. Understanding the historical context of Native American urbanization is essential for addressing the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Native American communities in the twenty-first century.

Indians on the Move: Native American Mobility and Urbanization in the Twentieth Century (Critical Indigeneities)

5 out of 5