How did the Homestead and Pacific Railroad Acts passed by the federal government help lead to the defeat of the numerous Native American nations in...

The Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act helped lead to the defeat of many Native American tribes in the West. When white Americans began to expand westward between 1820-1850, they encountered numerous Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River. Many white Americans viewed these tribes as obstacles to progress. As a result, the United States government forced these tribes to move to lands located west of the Mississippi River. Many Native Americans died...

The Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act helped lead to the defeat of many Native American tribes in the West. When white Americans began to expand westward between 1820-1850, they encountered numerous Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River. Many white Americans viewed these tribes as obstacles to progress. As a result, the United States government forced these tribes to move to lands located west of the Mississippi River. Many Native Americans died because of the horrible conditions they encountered as they were forced to move westward.

Once the Homestead Act was passed (which gave people 160 acres of western land basically for free if they lived on that land for five years), more Americans began to move the West. The Pacific Railway Act allowed for the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which also encouraged westward expansion. As people moved to the West, they again encountered the Native Americans. The Native Americans, in many instances, resisted the spread of white settlers onto their lands. Many battles ensued with many Native Americans being killed. Additionally, white settlers brought diseases to the West to which the Native Americans had no immunity. More Native Americans died. As white Americans moved westward, they also killed many buffalo which the Native Americans depended on. This also led to the death of some Native Americans. Many Native American tribes were weakened by these factors, which made it easier for them to be defeated in battle.

These laws, which encouraged westward expansion, significantly harmed many Native American tribes and led to their defeat in conflicts with the United States military.