Indigenous rights are often disregarded from "summary" of A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
The history of the United States is rife with examples of Indigenous rights being ignored and violated. From the moment European colonizers set foot on American soil, Indigenous peoples were pushed aside, their lands stolen, their cultures decimated. Treaties were made and broken at will, with the United States government consistently favoring its own interests over those of the Indigenous populations. The concept of Manifest Destiny, the belief that it was the United States' destiny to expand across the continent, served as justification for the displacement and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. This notion fueled the government's policies of forced relocation, such as the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which led to the Trail of Tears, resulting in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans. Even when Indigenous peoples were able to secure land through treaties, they were often forcibly removed from their territories when valuable resources were discovered. The discovery of gold in California, for example, led to the California Gold Rush and the subsequent seizure of Native lands. Throughout history, Indigenous peoples have been subjected to forced assimilation, with the goal of eradicating their cultures and identities. Boarding schools were established where Indigenous children were taken from their families and forbidden from speaking their native languages or practicing their traditions. This systematic erasure of Indigenous culture has had lasting effects on Native communities, contributing to issues such as poverty, substance abuse, and high rates of suicide. In more recent times, the fight for Indigenous rights continues, with battles over land rights, environmental protections, and the preservation of sacred sites. Despite some progress in recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, there is still much work to be done to address the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Native American communities. The disregard for Indigenous rights in the United States is a deeply ingrained issue that stems from centuries of colonialism, exploitation, and oppression. It is essential for the country to reckon with this history and work towards meaningful reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples.
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