What was the purpose of Indian Schools established in the late 19th century?

• A. To provide advanced education for Native children
• B. To promote agricultural skills
• C. To forcibly assimilate Indian children to white culture
• D. To preserve Native languages

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of Indian Schools established in the late 19th century was to forcibly assimilate Native American children into white culture. These institutions aimed to erase Indigenous identities and cultures by immersing Native children in Euro-American customs, language, and beliefs. The underlying philosophy was that assimilation would "civilize" Native Americans and integrate them into mainstream American society.

This process often involved stripping away Indigenous practices, languages, and values. Children were frequently prohibited from speaking their native languages or engaging in their cultural traditions, resulting in a significant loss of cultural heritage for many tribes. The intent was not to educate in the sense of advanced learning or to provide a versatile skill set, but rather to mold Native children into individuals who would conform to European American societal norms. The legacy of these schools has had lasting repercussions on Native communities, contributing to ongoing struggles with cultural preservation and identity.