One Big Reservation Policy

Definition

The One Big Reservation policy was a U.S. government policy in the 1850s that moved all Plains Indian tribes onto one large reservation in Oklahoma Territory.

Analogy

Imagine if your entire school had to share just one classroom. It would be crowded, resources would be scarce, and there'd likely be conflict. That's similar to what happened when all the Plains Indian tribes were forced onto one reservation.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act: An act passed in 1830 that authorized the president to negotiate with southern Native American tribes for their removal to federal territory west of Mississippi River.

Trail of Tears: A series of forced relocations during 1830s of Native Americans from southeastern parts of United States following Indian Removal Act.

Reservation System: A system established by U.S government aiming at moving Native American tribes onto specific reserved lands (reservations) away from white settlers.