Which best describes the historical context of the 1879 Speech by Chief Joseph? It discusses the unequal treatment of American Indians by the US government.
It discusses the speaker’s personal discussions with other chiefs.
It describes an interaction between government officials and Chief Joseph.
It describes in detail the spiritual belief system of the chief and his people.

It discusses the unequal treatment of American Indians by the US government.

Explanation:

The government of the United States and the Native Americans have been in opposition to the lands that belong to them. This disparity began after the government tried to take away the reserves of the Indian people and allow settlers to be among them, to 'civilize' them.

The constant war between the two needed to stop because of the huge number of casualties and detrimental effects on the Native Indians. So, Chief Joseph gave a speech in Washington D.C. where he stated his decision to give up the fight for land and belonging. He detailed the suffering of his people while the government did nothing. Now, his only hope is that they are given "a chance to live as other men live be recognized as men".

The historical context of this speech was how the American Indians were mistreated by the United States' government.