What did the Dawes Act primarily aim to eradicate among Native Americans?

The Dawes Act, enacted in 1887, primarily aimed to eradicate tribal identities among Native Americans by promoting individual land ownership. Prior to the Dawes Act, indigenous peoples in the United States operated within a communal system of land use that emphasized tribal sovereignty and collective identity. The Act sought to assimilate Native Americans into Euro-American society by allotting individual parcels of land to them, thereby encouraging a shift away from traditional tribal affiliations and identities.

By promoting individual land ownership, the Dawes Act was intended to dismantle tribal governance and social structures, which were seen as impediments to the assimilation process. It replaced the communal perspective with a focus on individualism, which was a core value of American society at the time. This policy not only aimed to transform the social fabric of Native communities but also facilitated the transfer of vast amounts of land from Native Americans to white settlers, leading to further marginalization of indigenous peoples.

Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the Act's primary focus on undermining the collective identity and social cohesion of Native American tribes, facilitating a broader strategy of assimilation into American society.