The policy of removal had failed to solve the Indian problem, especially
with the annexation of new territories in the West.  The Indians of the
Great Plains felt particularly harassed by settlers moving to the new
western territories via the Oregon and C alifornia trails in the north and
the Santa Fe trail in the south.  Tensions grew when the Indians began to
experience severe food shortages when the settlers killed vast amounts of
game.  By the 1850s, government intervention was necessary both to guaran
tee the settlers safe passage and to provide compensation for the Indians. 
The Treaty of Santee Sioux at Camp Traverse des Sioux was signed on July
16, 1851, in the Minnesota Territory; it ceded lands to the government in
return for $3 million, some allotted for agriculture, some for schools
and other programs to help the Sioux adjust to the white economy.