What idea is being expressed in the quote from President Ulysses S Grant's State of the Union Address on December 4th 1871?

Answer 1

In his State of the Union Address on December 4, 1871, Ulysses Grant stated that "the policy pursued toward the Indians has resulted favorably...many tribes of Indians have been induced to settle upon reservations, to cultivate the soil, to perform productive labor of various kinds, and to partially accept civilization. They are being cared for in such a way, it is hoped, as to induce those still pursuing their old habits of life to embrace the only opportunity which is left them to avoid extermination". (Wikipedia)

The assimilation of Native Americans is expressed in the quote from President Grant.

Exerting White's culture on natives was an issue from the first explorers to any country where colonization occurred. Whites wanted natives to 'talk like us, dress like us, act like us, believe like us, and if possible, become us'. Tribes were not seen as "civilized"-- as seen in Grant's words, "...and to partially accept civilization." This occurred as well in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Answer 2

In order for us to answer this question, you need to provide us with the quotation you were asked about (probably by your teacher or professor).