Two Eras of Indians and White Men

Indian and White's relationship was altered suddenly and drastically.  Prior to 1841 represents one era, dominated by independent Indian nations and white traders existing fairly well together...both sides seemed to tolerate each other's business.  After 1841 the traders were the minority and their influence was smaller.

Settlers arrived along with the military surveyors. These new people had no use for the Indian, they were seen as obstacles to be controlled or eliminated.  The coming of the white settler had an enormous impact on tribal customs and a disruptive effect on the game population which provided food for the Indian people.  Era 2  began - white man as the enemy.

As game became more scarce, Indians became more hostile.  Their hunting grounds changed and became less productive, so tribes had to travel further into other tribal territories.  All this further weakened and demoralized tribal society.  More numerous and powerful white people invaded Indian culture militarily, economically and culturally. 

By 1842 Indian way of life was unsupportable and irreversible.

Like most major blunders in American history, it is always easy to look back and see that what happened was wrong.  Most people today can see the errors of the US government, the military, and the white settlers where the Indian is concerned.  We just can't go back and do it over again the right way...