What did the government misunderstand about Native American customs according to the Dawes Severalty Act?

The correct answer highlights a significant misunderstanding on the part of the government regarding Native American customs, specifically the perspective that these customs were perceived as hedonistic and in need of banning. This misunderstanding stemmed from a Eurocentric view that regarded Native American ways of life as primitive or lacking value.

The Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by allotting them individual plots of land, which was in stark contrast to their communal land use practices. The belief that Native customs were inappropriate or indulgent led to policies that sought to suppress these traditions rather than acknowledge their importance.

For instance, this view disregarded the cultural significance and deeper meanings behind various Native American practices, which were often tied to their understanding of community, spirituality, and identity. Such a misconception ultimately contributed to the failure of policies geared toward successful assimilation, as they ignored the rich and complex social structures of Native American societies.