The process of assimilation of Native Americans into European-American society lasted nearly 300 years. Initially, when Europeans arrived in the hopeful and promising land of the “New World,” they had no desire or motive other than minimal contact with the Indians. However, starting in the 1700s the population of European settlers skyrocketed. The need for more resources became apparent, and the settlers knew that they could meet these needs by creating a mutually beneficial relationship with the native tribes. The Indians, at first skeptical, however became increasingly open to the settlers and the relationship they were trying to establish. Indian furs were exchanged for colonial goods and military alliances were formed. Unfortunately, this great relationship built between the natives and the settlers, based on mutual respect and profit, was coming to an abrupt halt. By the early 1830s, the United States government began to realize its newfound strength and stability. It was decided that the nation had new and growing needs and aspirations, one of these was the idea of ​​“manifest destiny”. Its continued population growth began to require many more resources and, ultimately, land. The government began by simply bargaining and persuading Indian tribes to push westward from their homeland. The Indians began to disagree, peacefully object, and fight back. The US government therefore felt it had no choice but to use force. The In Indian Removal Act was signed by Andrew Jackson on May 18, 1830. This eventually led to the movement of eastern tribes westward, even to the edge of the Great Plains. A copy of this act has been presented for you in the book, Th......middle of paper......writers and has also dealt with politics.Today there are more than a million Indians in America in all stages of development, some still attempting to adapt to American civilization, some fully Americanized, and some still clinging to their native heritage. Today, there are 300 federal Indian reservations and approximately 21 state reservations in the United States. These reservations are considered sovereign nations, yet these people still hold American citizenship. In my opinion, the assimilation process in the United States was extremely cruel and unnecessary. While it worked out for the best in the long run and today American Indians have the freedom to live as they choose on their reservations, I firmly believe that the process of getting to where we are today could have been much better if it had been possible. took a different path.