National Park System

Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir
1906

National Park System - an idea hatched by John Muir and enacted by Teddy Roosevelt to preserve, conserve or otherwise collectivize Western lands in part for recreation and effectively undercut economic development of the lands.

Indian Policies

Indian Policies - the US government sought to separate and contain Indian tribes from white settlers.

The War Department dealt with hostile Indians where as the Bureau of Interior dealt with the peaceful Indians.  

The Bureau of Interior distributed grants and gifts individually negotiated by each tribe and generally interpreted Indian treaties to the advantage of the Federal Government.

Homestead Act

Homestead Act - legislation that granted land to US citizens provided they live there or otherwise improve the land