History Abraham Lincoln Questions Medium
Abraham Lincoln's presidency had a mixed impact on the rights and status of Native Americans. On one hand, Lincoln's administration continued the policies of westward expansion and the removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. The Homestead Act of 1862, signed into law by Lincoln, encouraged settlers to move westward, leading to further encroachment on Native American territories.
However, Lincoln also took some steps to protect Native American rights. In 1862, he established the Department of Agriculture, which included the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA aimed to improve the living conditions and education of Native Americans, although its efforts were often undermined by corruption and mismanagement.
Additionally, Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 indirectly impacted Native Americans. As the proclamation freed enslaved African Americans, it also led to the recruitment of African American soldiers into the Union Army. This, in turn, allowed for the reassignment of regular army troops to the western frontier, reducing conflicts between Native American tribes and settlers.
Furthermore, Lincoln's second term saw the passage of the Pacific Railroad Act in 1864, which authorized the construction of the transcontinental railroad. This project had significant consequences for Native Americans as it further disrupted their lands and traditional ways of life.
Overall, while Lincoln's presidency did not bring significant improvements to the rights and status of Native Americans, it did include some efforts to address their welfare. However, these efforts were often overshadowed by the broader policies of westward expansion and the displacement of Native American tribes.