Convergence along the western margin of north america during the cenozoic gave way to rifting forces that created the characteristic topography of the

he supported the seperation of church and state. he also promoted religious tolerance.

the government paid religious orders to provide basic education to native american children on reservations. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the bureau of indian affairs (bia) founded additional boarding schools based on the assimilation model of the off-reservation carlisle indian industrial school.