Discuss the factors that led Congress to pass the Dawes Severalty Act in 1887; explain the provisions of the act; and examine the features and consequences of United States Indian policy under the act.

The Dawes Severalty Act, also known as the General Allotment Act, was passed by Congress in 1887 for several reasons. One of the main factors was the desire to assimilate Native American tribes into mainstream American society by breaking up their communal land ownership and promoting individual land ownership. This was seen as a way to encourage Native Americans to adopt the agricultural practices of white settlers and become self-sufficient farmers. Additionally, there was a belief that by dividing up tribal land, it would open up more land for white settlement and economic development.

The provisions of the Dawes Severalty Act included the division of tribal land into individual allotments, with the surplus land being sold to non-Native Americans. Each head of a Native American family was allotted 160 acres of land, while single individuals were allotted 80 acres. The act also established a process for Native Americans to become U.S. citizens if they accepted the allotments and adopted a more "civilized" way of life.

The United States Indian policy under the Dawes Severalty Act had several features and consequences. One of the main features was the forced assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream American society, which included the suppression of traditional cultural practices and languages. The act also led to the loss of millions of acres of tribal land, as surplus land was sold off to non-Native Americans, leading to the further displacement of Native American communities.

The consequences of the act were devastating for many Native American tribes. The division of tribal land disrupted traditional ways of life and led to widespread poverty and economic hardship. Many Native Americans were unable to adapt to farming and ended up losing their allotted land through foreclosure or fraud. The act also contributed to the erosion of tribal sovereignty and self-governance, as the federal government exerted more control over Native American affairs.

In conclusion, the Dawes Severalty Act was driven by a desire to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society and open up tribal land for white settlement and economic development. However, the provisions and consequences of the act had a detrimental impact on Native American communities, leading to the loss of land, cultural suppression, and economic hardship.