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The History of U.S. Land Acquisition from Native Peoples

From deception to warfare, the U.S. mastered land acquisition from Native Americans. Explore the history of territorial expansion and its global parallels.By Confinity Reader · 2026-04-23 · 8-minute read

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Muhammad Ali Feb 14, 2025

After failing to seize Native lands through warfare, they decided to adopt alternative strategies involving deceit and manipulation—a tactic employed multiple times throughout history.

Israel was unable to take the land which seems to be their plan all along. They had to agree on ceasefire and hostage exchange. The situation escalated when President Donald Trump publicly disclosed plans to take full control of the Gaza Strip, proposing U.S. ownership and development of the area. This revelation exposed intentions to completely shape the land, masked under claims of humanitarianism and development. Arguments were made that the land could be better utilized and developed, suggesting that Palestinians had little reason to remain. Such narratives aimed to portray these actions as benevolent and peace-driven, while concealing underlying motives.

The Press Conference: Where They Revealed Their True Intentions

This is what Mr. President has to say in the joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister on occupying Gaza for a noble cause: \"The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out. Create an economic development that will supply generous numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area… do a real job, do something different.” He believes that Palestinians don’t want to go back, its just they have no other option \"The only reason the Palestinians want to go back to Gaza is they have no alternative. It’s right now a demolition site. Virtually every building is down. They’re living under fallen concrete that’s very dangerous.\" On sending in the Military troops he said, \"As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.\" President Trump commended his Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for effectively securing peace through a ceasefire. When one party is willing to perform your duties, the latter is often inclined to accept the assistance. Does the President always write his notes without consulting his team? The Trump administration said that they didn't know he was going to say this. Behind closed doors, it appears this was their agreement. Mr. President also believes that Israel has very small piece of land in the Middle East. On a question directed at him about the possible annexation of West Bank by Israel, He completely ignored the question and instead went on to explain how small Israel is. His response was, \"I'm not going to talk about that. It certainly is a small, it's a small country in terms of land.\" He then held up a pen and continued: \"See this pen? This wonderful pen, is the Israel. My desk is the Middle East, and the top of the pen—that's Israel. That's not good, right? You know, it's a pretty big difference. I use that as an analogy—it's pretty accurate, actually.\" \"It's a pretty small piece of land. It's amazing what they've been able to do when you think about it—there's a lot of good, thoughtful brainpower, but it is a very small piece of land, no question about it.\" President Trump repeatedly used the word \"small\" to describe Israel's territory, emphasizing its limited size. Is he suggesting that they should have more? The motives appear to extend beyond territorial expansion to include the region's oil and gas reserves, valued at over $500 billion. They portray themselves as peacemakers, claiming to act solely for the greater good. After devastating the region, they now seek to possess it, and still expecting to be hailed as global peacemakers and benefactors of humanity. \"They steal your bread, then give you a crumb of it... Then they demand you to thank them for their generosity... O their audacity!\" — Ghassan Kanafani

The Seizure of Native Lands

In the past, the U.S. used extensive justifications, bureaucratic maneuvering, and new laws to seize Native American lands—not merely through warfare but through repeated acts of deception and dishonesty. In 1803, the United States purchased imperial rights of Louisiana from France for $15 million and then began seizing Native American lands. Initially, land was acquired by trading items (farming equipment against land, their idea of justice and equality) which the natives eventually rejected. The U.S. waged wars (losing twice before finally prevailing), signed treaties it never intended to uphold. Some tribes, unwilling to fight, agreed to sell their land on the promise they wouldn’t be displaced, yet settlers and the military later moved in. To capture additional territory, further treaties were signed—often by individuals who were not actual leaders. US has to form peace treaties after getting defeated many times by some tribes, and broke them. Ultimately, aware of the inevitable outcome, the natives accepted money and signed a total of 368 treaties. \"I have heard you intend to settle us on a reservation near the mountains. I don't want to settle. I love to roam over the prairies. There I feel free and happy, but when we settle down we grow pale and die.\" — Chief Satanta, Kiowa. In the southern United States, five tribes—the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole—began adopting European-American customs, including clothing styles and the English language. The prime land they inhabited became highly coveted due to booming cotton production. When the state of Georgia encroached on their territory, the tribes sought legal recourse and won their case. However, Andrew Jackson (The guy on the twenty dollar bill) disregarded the ruling, exploiting legal loopholes to further expansionist aims. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was enacted, designating new reservations for Native Americans with assurances of permanent residence. The government fabricated treaties, often lacking legitimate tribal leadership signatures. Protests were ignored, and those who resisted were forcibly relocated in chains. Between 1838 and 1839, more than 100,000 individuals from these five tribes were compelled to undertake a grueling 1,000-mile journey on foot, enduring harsh weather conditions, with many perishing along the way. This forced migration became known as the Trail of Tears (similar to we see in Palestine). The forced relocation of Native Americans, often justified through legal documentation, served as a model for future acts of ethnic cleansing. Adolf Hitler referenced this when planning his own campaigns, stating, \"The Volga must be our Mississippi.\" Native Americans were promised permanent residence in designated Indian Territory. However, in 1879, settlers began encroaching upon these lands, including the Unassigned Lands within the Indian Territory. On April 22, 1889, the U.S. government initiated a land run, allowing approximately 50,000 settlers to claim these areas. In 1890, the U.S. government introduced a new map delineating Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory, effectively dividing the latter. Officials justified further encroachment by claiming that Native Americans were under-utilizing their lands (President Trump proposed developing Gaza to make it world class, sounds familiar?) Subsequent land runs were organized, allowing settlers to claim Native lands. As settlers continued to arrive, Native leaders proposed the creation of an Indian state named Sequoyah. They drafted a constitution, which was overwhelmingly approved, and sought statehood through legal channels. However, their appeal was rejected in Washington, D.C. The proposed state of Sequoyah was replaced with Oklahoma, leaving Native Americans confined to a small portion of their original territory. \"We are robbed of every element of freedom and every opportunity to defend ourselves legally. Our property may be taken away from us before our eyes; physical violence may be done to us; even our lives may be taken away, and there is no one to listen to our complaints.\" — John Ross, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, 1836. They haven’t done this to Indians and in America only. U.S. seized Mexican land (1846–1848), annexed Hawaii (1898), and bought the Philippines, sparking a brutal war. In 1903, it backed Panama’s independence for the Canal Zone and forced Cuba to lease Guantánamo Bay. Through threats, it claimed Oregon (1846) and took Puerto Rico and Guam after the Spanish-American War (1898), maintaining colonial control. As of now they want Canada to become their 51st state and interested in acquiring Greenland. No one comes close to the U.S. when it comes to taking what doesn’t belong to them. How could anyone overlook your candidacy when your track record in taking what doesn't belong to you is so impressive?

We Can Choose to Be Remembered in History as Those Who Stood for Humanity

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's confident demeanor suggests he believes he has secured a significant victory. The previous U.S. administration supported his military actions and the resulting destruction, while the current one is going even further by endorsing territorial expansion. Netanyahu has praised this plan, calling it a \"remarkable idea\" and a \"history-changing answer.\" Covering it up afterward with a paper trail and justifications is the least of their problems. In the face of such overwhelming injustice, it's natural to feel powerless. However, individuals can make a significant impact. Everyone has a role in combating this wrongdoing. Americans, in particular, bear a substantial responsibility, as their government acts in their name. Previously, U.S. support contributed to the devastation in Gaza, resulting in thousands of deaths, many of whom were women and children, with numerous victims still trapped beneath the rubble. At the very least, we can strive to help Palestinians retain their land. If we were in their position, wouldn't we wish for the same—to remain in our homeland and avoid displacement? We cannot change the past but about the future, we certainly have a choice. \"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.\" — Elie Wiesel

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Stories · Reader

The History of U.S. Land Acquisition from Native Peoples

Quiet tools, not a toolbar.

Muhammad Ali Feb 14, 2025

After failing to seize Native lands through warfare, they decided to adopt alternative strategies involving deceit and manipulation—a tactic employed multiple times throughout history.

The Press Conference: Where They Revealed Their True Intentions

The Seizure of Native Lands

We Can Choose to Be Remembered in History as Those Who Stood for Humanity

What we preserve here

A story is a small archive. Confinity is for the larger one — the place this story would have lived if you had a quiet, private home for it.

You're reading 4 of 7 in 'Voices of care'

Next in this path:On living with dementia

All stories

Heritage library

Start your own archive

After failing to seize Native lands through warfare, they decided to adopt alternative strategies involving deceit and manipulation—a tactic employed multiple times throughout history.

The Press Conference: Where They Revealed Their True Intentions

The Seizure of Native Lands

We Can Choose to Be Remembered in History as Those Who Stood for Humanity

More stories

After failing to seize Native lands through warfare, they decided to adopt alternative strategies involving deceit and manipulation—a tactic employed multiple times throughout history.

The Press Conference: Where They Revealed Their True Intentions

The Seizure of Native Lands

We Can Choose to Be Remembered in History as Those Who Stood for Humanity

More stories