What were the Native Americans trying to do when they took over Alcatraz?A.
acquire more housing

B.
make people aware of Indian grievances

C.
take the warden hostage

D.
obtain weapons

The correct answer is B. When the Native Americans took over Alcatraz, they were trying to make people aware of Indian grievances.

In November 20, 1969, a group of Native Americans from different tribes occupied the island of Alcatraz and claimed a center of education, a center of ecology, a spiritual center, a museum and an Indian school. According to the occupants, the Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868) between the United States and the Sioux returned to the Native Americans all the lands that had been removed, abandoned or out of use, from which they were acquired.

During the 18 months of occupation, several buildings were damaged or destroyed by the fires, including the playground, the barracks houses of the Coast Guard and the warden's house. The origins of the fires are unknown. Other buildings were destroyed by the Government of the United States after the occupation ended. Graffiti from the Native American occupation period are still visible in many places on the island.

During the occupation, the termination of the Indian policy, designed to end the federal recognition of the tribes, was overturned by President Richard Nixon, and the new policy of self-determination was established, partly as a result of the publicity and awareness created by the occupants. The occupation ended on June 11, 1971.