Explain the evolution of the role and goals of the Dawes Commission.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: The Dawes Commission was formed to negotiate the end of tribal land ownership with the Five Tribes. They wanted to include the land of the Five Tribes in the allotment. The commission was headquartered in Muskogee, Indian Territory, and on November 1, 1893, Henry L. Dawes was appointed head of the commission. The commission also included Meredith Helm Kidd of Indiana and Archibald S. McKennon. The lack of success of the Dawes Commission frustrated Congress, who ordered a land survey of the Indian Territory and defined tribal roles and allotment without tribal approval. Eventually, the Dawes Commission would be transformed into a judicial tribunal, which held court to determine issues such as tribal citizenship and the specifics of land allotment.