Question

doc 5a excerpt from the indian removal act, 1828
the consequences of a speedy removal will be important to the united states, to individual states, and to the indians themselves. the pecuniary advantages which it promises to the government are the least of its recommendations. it puts an end to all possible danger of collision between the authorities of the general and state governments on account of the indians. it will place a dense and civilized population in large tracts of country now occupied by a few savage hunters. by opening the whole territory between tennessee on the north and louisiana on the south to the settlement of the whites it will incalculably strengthen the southwestern frontier and render the adjacent states strong enough to repel future invasions without remote aid. it will relieve the whole state of mississippi and the western part of alabama of indian occupancy, and enable those states to advance rapidly in population, wealth, and power. it will separate the indians from immediate contact with settlements of whites; free them from the power of the states; enable them to pursue happiness in their own way and under their own rude institutions; will retard the progress of decay, which is lessening their numbers, and perhaps cause them gradually, under the protection of the government and through the influence of good counsels, to cast off their savage habits and become an interesting, civilized, and christian community.
doc 5b about the carlisle school, 1879
they came from the farthest corners of the united states and its territories: thousands of american indian children, some barely teens, boarded trains, stagecoaches, and ships bound for carlisle, pennsylvania, in the wake of the 19th - centurys indian wars. children from over 100 distinct cultures left home to live at an off - reservation school at carlisle barracks, an old military base. the carlisle indian industrial school opened in 1879 and operated for nearly 30 years with a mission to “kill the indian” to “save the man.” this philosophy meant administrators forced students to speak english, wear anglo - american clothing, and act according to u.s. values and culture. the carlisle model spawned 24 more off - reservation schools.
explain why docs 5a&b are turning points in indian history. use the word “assimilation” in your answer.

Explanation:

Doc 5a's Indian Removal Act aimed to separate Indians from white settlements, facilitating white - settlement expansion and potentially leading to Indian assimilation into a more 'civilized' (white - defined) way of life. Doc 5b's Carlisle School was a direct attempt at assimilation, forcing American Indian children to adopt U.S. values, language, and clothing, which had a profound impact on Indian cultural identity and society.

Answer:

Doc 5a is a turning point as it removed Indians from their lands, setting the stage for their isolation and potential assimilation into white - dominated society. Doc 5b is a turning point as it represents a direct and systematic effort to assimilate American Indian children through education, which had long - lasting effects on Indian cultures and identities.