By the late 1870s, life for the American Indians had changed dramatically. Native Americans lived on the Great Plains, in the western prairies of the 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 farther and hunt more efficiently. Native Americans lived in small extended family groups. The young men became hunters and warriors, while the women helped butcher the game and prepare the hides. They also believed in powerful spirits, which led people to become shamans, medicine men and women. Indian tribes were never dominated by a leader, but by a council of people. On the other hand, the white settlers had a different perspective. They believed that owning land, making mining claims, or creating a business was what made a country successful. Because the Native Americans were not “improving” their land, white settlers traveled west to take it over. Subsequently, more and more settlers began moving west. Westward expansion threatened the American Indian 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 main 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 skins were used for clothing, shoes, and blankets. After the destruction, Native Americans had difficulty gathering pelts to make tepees and clothing... middle of paper... cans could sell their land or build railroads. Whites had taken two-thirds of the territory and Native Americans made no money from sales. Native Americans were prohibited from participating in traditional dances or celebrations. This affected them because they were no longer allowed to do things that were part of their culture. Children were sent to boarding school and forced to wear an American uniform. This was unfair to the children because they were forced to dress, look and learn like an American. The Dawes Act changed the way of life of Native Americans. The destruction of the buffalo left the Native Americans hungry, cold, and without shelter. The Indian Wars caused a huge population decline. The Dawes Act forced Native Americans to abandon their beliefs and way of life and become part of American culture. Westward expansion ruined the lives of Native Americans.