By the late 1870s, life for Native Americans had changed dramatically. Native Americans lived in the Great Plains on the prairies of the western United States. Tribes such as the Osage, Iowa, Sioux, and Cheyenne hunted, farmed, and made tools and clothing to survive. Horses, brought by the Spanish in 1598, made hunting easier for Native Americans. They were able to travel further and hunt more efficiently. Native Americans lived in small extended family groups. Young men became hunters and warriors, while women helped slaughter game and prepare hides. They also believed in powerful spirits, which caused people to become shamans, healers and healers. Indian tribes have never been dominated by a chief, but by the council of the people. On the other hand, white settlers had a different perspective. They believed that owning land, making a mining concession or starting a business was what made a country successful. Because the Native Americans were not improving their land, white settlers moved west to take it over. Later, more and more settlers began to move west. Westward expansion threatened the Native American way of life through the destruction of buffalo, bloody battles between Native Americans and white settlers, and the enforcement of the Dawes Act. The destruction of buffalo affected Native Americans because buffalo were their primary source of food, clothing, and shelter. Native Americans never let any part of the buffalo go to waste. They ate buffalo meat because it was nutritious and plentiful. As the buffalo population declined, Native Americans began to starve. Buffalo hides and hides were used to make clothing, shoes and blankets. After the destruction, Native Americans had difficulty collecting hides to make teepees and clothing...... middle of paper...... cans to sell their land or build railroads. The whites had seized two-thirds of the territory and the Native Americans received no income from the sale. Native Americans were forbidden from participating in traditional dances or festivals. This affected them because they were no longer allowed to do things that were part of their culture. Children were sent to a boarding school and forced to wear American uniforms. This was not fair to the children as they were forced to dress, look and learn like an American. The Dawes Act changed the way of life for Native Americans. The destruction of the buffalo left the Native Americans hungry, cold, and homeless. The Indian Wars caused a huge decrease in population. The Dawes Act forced Native Americans to abandon their beliefs and way of life and become part of American culture. Westward Expansion Ruined Lives for Native Americans.