IB History Higher Level (HL) Practice Exam

The Termination Policy, initiated in the 1950s and continuing into the 1960s, was a significant shift in U.S. government policy towards Native American tribes. The aim of the policy was to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society, which involved ending the special relationship between the tribes and the federal government. This included the termination of federal recognition for many tribes, which led to a reduction in government services and support that Native Americans were receiving.

By promoting assimilation, the policy sought to reduce government expenditures related to Native Americans, arguing that this would encourage them to become self-sufficient. However, the consequences were often negative, leading to loss of tribal land, economic hardship, and social dislocation for many Native Americans as they were pushed to relocate to urban areas without adequate support.

The other options present outcomes that do not align with the actual impacts seen during the Termination Policy. There was no significant promotion of cultural preservation or improvement in living conditions for tribes. Instead, some tribes lost their recognition and the resources that accompanied it, leading to a decline in their ability to govern themselves, rather than granting more autonomy. Therefore, assimilation and cost reduction were central features of the Termination Policy, making this the most accurate assessment of its