How would you describe the relationship between the tribes and the U.S. government before WWII?

The period before World War II was marked by significant tension and mistrust between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, various policies implemented by the federal government, such as forced relocation, assimilation efforts, and the broken treaties, contributed to a pervasive sense of distrust among Native Americans. This history fostered an environment where tribes were skeptical of the government’s intentions and commitments to their rights and sovereignty. The legacy of these actions created a backdrop of distrust that influenced the relationship leading up to WWII.

While there may have been instances of cooperation or moments of policy that seemed mutually beneficial, the overall sentiment among many Native Americans was one of alienation and skepticism towards federal efforts. The government’s historical actions often did not align with the interests and well-being of the tribes, reinforcing feelings of betrayal rather than security or trust.