15. Document Project 15: American Indians and Whites in the West

Quiz for Document 15.9 Chief Joseph, Views on Indian Affairs, 1879

Quiz for Document 15.9: Chief Joseph, Views on Indian Affairs, 1879

Choose the best answer to the question.

1. How did Chief Joseph attempt to persuade government officials to return tribal lands to his people?

He promised that his tribe would not perpetrate any more violence against white men.

He agreed to assimilate his people into American culture.

He offered goods as a means to trade for a new favorable treaty.

He argued that Indians and white men should be treated equally under the law.

2. According to this particular speech, what was one of Chief Joseph’s most recurring complaints about dealing with the American government?

They did not keep their word.

They hunted the buffalo to extinction.

They played favorites with tribes.

They refused to negotiate with Indians.

3. What argument did Chief Joseph make regarding the actions of Indians toward American settlers?

They were stronger warriors and will defeat the Americans.

They were justified in their violence because they were penned up.

They were wrong to ever try to resist the settlement of Americans.

They did not understand one another’s cultures.

4. To which of the following did Chief Joseph most appeal in order to make his case to the cabinet and Congress?

American rule of law

Physical threats of violence

Sympathy and compassion

Honoring their Ancestors

5. What does Chief Joseph’s statement imply about Indian-Anglo relations at the end of the nineteenth century?

After centuries of conflict, the Indians were emerging victorious.

The government recognized their guilt in killing Indians and sought peace.

The remaining tribes were looking for ways to settle issues outside of violence.

Americans were trying to learn more about the Indians before they disappeared.

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