Lyons QQC

Quote: "In other words, while recognizing Indian sovereignty in terms we can fairly describe as eternal and absolute, the Supreme Court’s decisions on the Cherokee cases ultimately caved in to what would become a persistent, uniquely American, and wholly imperialist notion of recognition-from-above."

Question: "Recognition from above" is the phrase that juts out here to me. I feel it rather accurately describes our treatment as an imperialistic nation. What rhetorical strategies did the government employ in the 18th century to oppress native sovereignty? What parallels can be drawn today?