In 1887, Congress passed the Dawes Severalty Act, which empowered the U. S. government to divide Native American tribal reservation lands into allotments. Native Americans who chose to accept one of the 160-acre allotments could receive citizenship and protection under the law. However, the remaining portions of land that were unclaimed by the natives under this law could be sold to other interested parties. Because of the Dawes Act, the natives lost an estimated 90 million acres of original tribal land between 1887 and 1934. According to the passage, which of the following BEST describes the intended effect of the Dawes Severalty Act?

create better business opportunities for African Americans

consolidate western land holdings under federal control

encourage Native Americans to become self-reliant farmers

accommodate the nomadic lifestyle of Native Americans