The Beginning of the End of Indian America: Federal Indian Policy under Washington and Jefferson 1789-1809

Abstract

Upon achieving independence, the United states fell heir to the problems created through the contact of white settlers and American Indians. The American government found itself without an adequate Indian policy. The new United States representing the white settlers as it did, could be expected to pursue an expansionist anti-Indian policy. But, there was also a desire for fair treatment for the Indians stemming from the founding fathers moral convictions (expressed so well in the revolution). On these two contradictory views the first American Indian policies were built. This paper will explore the Indian policies established in the early years of the Republic during the Washington and Jefferson presidencies. This paper will deal with Indian-white conflicts in expansionism and will explore the disparity which often seemed to exist between words and deeds in the federal government's attempts to achieve an Indian policy during the years 1789-1809.