Early treaties between the United States and Native Americans were acts of nation-to-nation diplomacy. Trade agreements were forged with Indian nations in hopes of discouraging alliances with France or Britain. As settlers moved westward, however, they placed pressure on the federal government to urge tribes to abandon the land. In 1830, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act, giving the president power to negotiate "removal treaties," under which Indians were often made to give up lands in exchange for reservations.