How did white Americans try to make the Indian culture more like theirs?

The effort by white Americans to make Indian culture more aligned with theirs involved significant attempts to suppress Native American religions and languages. This was rooted in a belief among many European Americans that their own cultural values and practices were superior. This often manifested in initiatives that aimed to eradicate traditional beliefs and languages, which were viewed as obstacles to assimilation.

For example, boarding schools were established where Native American children were taken from their families and communities, and they were often punished for speaking their native languages or practicing their religions. This systematic approach aimed to transform Indigenous people into what was considered more “civilized” citizens, reflecting the colonial mindset of the time.

The other options involve different approaches, such as promoting intermarriage or bilingual education, which did not typically reflect the dominant attitudes of that period towards Native Americans. Instead, the prevailing trend was focused on cultural eradication rather than support or exchange.