What was the purpose of the Board of Indian Commissioners created by Grant in 1869?

The Board of Indian Commissioners, established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1869, aimed primarily to foster a more peaceful relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. This initiative was part of Grant's broader policy to replace the prevailing military approach toward Native Americans with one focused on negotiation and diplomacy. By advocating for treaties that prioritized peace over conflict, the Board sought to promote social stability and reduce the cycle of violence that often accompanied westward expansion.

The context of this creation is essential: during this period, the U.S. government recognized the futility and costs associated with ongoing military confrontations with Native tribes. The goal was to negotiate treaties that would lead to coexistence rather than conflict, ensuring that the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples were addressed in a more humane and constructive manner. Through these treaties, the Board aimed to establish trust and improve relations between the United States and Native communities, fostering cooperation instead of enmity.

This approach ultimately reflected a significant shift in federal policy towards Native Americans during Grant's administration, emphasizing diplomacy and the importance of mutual agreement instead of military force.