[Solution]What assumptions about Native Americans did sympathetic easterners make when proposing improvments on the reservations?

When sympathetic easterners proposed reforms to improve the lives of Native Americans living on reservations, they often made several assumptions about indigenous people and their culture. These assumptions included the belief that Native Americans were incapable of managing their own affairs without outside intervention; that they needed to be “civilized” in order for them to become productive citizens; and that Native American customs and beliefs should be replaced with those of western society in order for them to be successful.

The assumption of incapacity was based on a long held perception by Europeans settlers that Natives were an inferior people who lacked the abilities or resources necessary for self-governance. This led many reformers to advocate for government policies which aimed to “help” Native peoples adapt to a more western lifestyle. Examples include concepts such as assimilation, removal, relocation, allotment, and termination – all of which sought to replace traditional customs with those seen as “superior” by non-Natives.

What assumptions about Native Americans did sympathetic easterners make when proposing improvments on the reservations?

The idea of civilizing Natives also assumed that native cultures had no value unless they adopted lifestyles similar to whites (i.e., speaking English only, wearing modern clothing styles). This type of thinking led some well meaning reformers into believing Indians would never be able progress if they continued practicing traditional ways. Consequently these individuals advocated for programs designed to educate Natives in white societal norms while simultaneously eliminating cultural practices such as language usage and religious ceremonies.

Overall it is evident that when proposing improvements on reservations sympathetic easterners made numerous false assumptions about Native Americans and their culture which directly impacted how government policies towards indigenous peoples were formed during this era. It is important now more than ever before for non-Natives educated themselves about the history behind these actions so we can better understand how current issues facing Indian Country can be prevented from happening in future generations