Question

which of the following statements is true?
the indian appropriations act of 1851 allowed white settlers to claim tribal lands as homesteaders.
the indian appropriations act of 1871 meant that tribes were no longer classified as independent nations.
the indian appropriations act of 1885 allowed white settlers to claim tribal lands as homesteaders.
the indian appropriations act of 1889 meant that tribes were no longer classified as independent nations.

Explanation:

To determine the true statement, we analyze each option:

• The Indian Appropriations Act of 1851: This act was about setting aside funds for Indian affairs, not about white settlers claiming tribal lands as homesteaders.
• The Indian Appropriations Act of 1871: This act ended the recognition of tribes as independent nations, which matches the description in this option.
• The Indian Appropriations Act of 1885: This act was related to regulating the sale of Indian goods and labor, not about homesteading.
• The Indian Appropriations Act of 1889: This act opened unassigned lands in Oklahoma for white settlement (the "Land Run"), not about reclassifying tribes' status as independent nations (that was done in 1871).

Answer:

B. The Indian Appropriations Act of 1871 meant that tribes were no longer classified as independent nations.