In this resolution a ministerial association from Ohio asked Congress to grant American Indians full citizenship. The petitioners cited the service of American Indians in World War I, along with their loyalty and patriotism in purchasing more than $60 million worth of Liberty Bonds, as justification for granting citizenship.
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
Resolution of the Ministerial Association, Church of Bucyrus, Ohio, June 2, 1919
Serving the Nation: American Indians
Though they were not granted the rights of U.S. citizenship, approximately 10,000 American Indian men volunteered to serve in World War I. In recognition of their wartime service, Congress passed the Citizenship Act of 1919, conferring citizenship upon American Indian World War I veterans. In 1924 Congress approved legislation to grant citizenship to all American Indians. More than 40,000 American Indians served in World War II.
Be it enacted, . . . That every American Indian, who served in the Military or Naval Establishments of the United States during the war . . . shall . . . be granted full citizenship with all the privileges pertaining thereto.
H.R. 5007, An Act Granting Citizenship to Certain Indians, September 27, 1919
In this resolution a ministerial association from Ohio asked Congress to grant American Indians full citizenship. The petitioners cited the service of American Indians in World War I, along with their loyalty and patriotism in purchasing more than $60 million worth of Liberty Bonds, as justification for granting citizenship.
Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, National Archives and Records Administration
