After the American Revolution the new American government tried to end the wars between the white settlers and the native peoples. The government made treaties or agreements with the tribes.
The flag of the original 13 states of America
In the treaties the tribe agreed to keep peace with the settlers and gave up much of its land, keeping only a part for itself. The areas they would live on were called reservations. The government made a cash payment for the land, agreed to provide the tribes with cattle, medicine and other goods and promised to protect the tribe and its lands.
Chiefs of the Blackfoot Tribe
However, time and time again, the settlers invaded these lands. On many occasions the angry tribes killed white settlers. New treaties between the government and the tribes gave still more land to the white settlers and promised the tribes that their remaining lands would not be invaded. However, over the years, these lands grew smaller and smaller and the Native peoples grew frustrated and angry.
