Despite knowing that their demonstration was illegal, they continued the occupation for nineteen months, during which the Nixon administration attempted several peaceful negotiations in fear of further rioting. The activists stood firmly by settling for nothing less than the island’s ownership, while the administration repeated refused the possibility of a land transfer. More Native Americans continued to join the cause and the population of Alcatraz once peaked at 600. Many managed to protest with the hard living conditions and declining morale, but when armed forces raided the island in June 1971, the remaining Indian residents were forced to retreat, thus ending the lengthy occupation. But the activists were not defeated; Indians across the country were inspired by their action and organized protests at Mount Rushmore and several other
Despite knowing that their demonstration was illegal, they continued the occupation for nineteen months, during which the Nixon administration attempted several peaceful negotiations in fear of further rioting. The activists stood firmly by settling for nothing less than the island’s ownership, while the administration repeated refused the possibility of a land transfer. More Native Americans continued to join the cause and the population of Alcatraz once peaked at 600. Many managed to protest with the hard living conditions and declining morale, but when armed forces raided the island in June 1971, the remaining Indian residents were forced to retreat, thus ending the lengthy occupation. But the activists were not defeated; Indians across the country were inspired by their action and organized protests at Mount Rushmore and several other