A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What did the Treaty of Fort Laramie establish?

1. It granted land rights to settlers

2. It created the first reservations for Plains Indians

3. It recognized the sovereignty of tribal governments

4. It imposed taxes on settlers in the West

The correct answer is: It created the first reservations for Plains Indians

The Treaty of Fort Laramie, signed in 1851, is significant for establishing the first formal reservations for Plains Indians. This treaty was an agreement between the United States government and several Native American tribes, including Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, and others. It recognized specific territories for these tribes, effectively marking the beginning of the reservation system in the U.S. By defining the land that would be set aside for each tribe, the treaty aimed to reduce conflicts between Native Americans and settlers and establish clear boundaries. This was a pivotal moment in U.S. history as it laid the groundwork for future policies regarding Native American lands, although these were often violated by subsequent treaties and legislation. The other options, while related to the broader context of westward expansion and American Indian relations, do not accurately capture the primary goal and effect of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. The establishment of land rights for settlers and imposing taxes on them is not relevant to this treaty’s purpose or outcomes. Furthermore, while the treaty acknowledged tribal presence, it did not fully recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments in the way that some later treaties aimed to do.