Question

Explain why leaders of the five tribes were disturbed by the election in 1860 of Abraham Lincoln

Answer 1

Native American tribes were scared by the election in 1860 of Abraham Lincoln for numerous reasons. One of the biggest reasons was that they were scared that Abraham Lincoln was going to open their reservations and settlements for anyone, and they were primarily scared of white men going to their settlements. They also sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War and were scared of Abraham Lincoln in the office because they were afraid of the government. The Confederacy had the Articles of Confederation which promoted a weak government, and wanted the colonies to self-govern, which most of the Native Americans agreed with at the time. Along with this, during the Civil War, the Confederacy made certain promises to the Natives if they were to win, like protection and having a say in the Confederacy government. The government had a history for having little to no respect for the Natives, and they remembered this. Native Americans were also scared that Abraham Lincoln would abolish slavery, which they did not want, as they used slaves for profit, which is another big reason as to why a lot of Natives sided with the Confederacy during the Civil War.