State Historical Society of Iowa

Indian Reorganization Act, 1934

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Courtesy of National Archives, "Indian Reorganization Act," U.S. Congress, 1934

Description

In 1934, Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act. It replaced the Dawes Act of 1887, which had been designed to eliminate tribal sovereignty and break up communally held lands by allotting plots to individuals rather than tribes. By 1887, most Native nations had been confined to federally mandated reservations. The Dawes Act removed even that land from tribal control. The new Wheeler-Howard Act returned some control to tribes and was meant to foster jobs and support traditional cultures. It laid the groundwork for increasing self-determination and the tribal sovereignty that would more fully come to fruition in the 1970s.

Transcript of the Indian Reorganization Act

Source Dependent Questions

  • Using evidence from the document, describe the relationship between American Indian tribes and the U.S. government?
  • Read section 17 of the IRA, why would this be an important change during the Great Depression? Refer back to the letter from Edgar Harlan, how would not having control of business practices on the Meskawki's own land create the situation he spoke about?
  • How might the relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes outlined in this law have created issues for American Indians in accessing New Deal programs? Use specific evidence from the document to support your answer.
  • In your opinion, was the IRA enough to bring relief to all Americans? Why or why not?

Citation Information

"Indian Reorganization Act," U.S. Congress, 1934. Courtesy of National Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress

State Historical Society of Iowa

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