Who Are Native Americans

IGCSE American History (US)

Kofa High School

Key Question 1: How and why did the economic, social and

political status of Native Americans change from 1754-2000? How far did the economic, social, and political status

of native American change from 1754-1850? What were the main influences of these changes?

How far were the Plains/Indian Wars (1864-1890) a turning point in the fortunes of Native Americans?

To What extent was the policy of assimilation a success before 1945?

Why did the Native Americans form the Red Power Movement in the 1960’s? How successful was Red Power in achieving its aims ?

Tecumseh’s Confederacy

A group of native tribes trying to help the British defeat the US in “Western Territories”

Trying to regain lost land, renounce alcohol, return to traditional ways and shun evil American

Led to the War of 1812

Indian Removal 1830

President Andrew Jackson ordered thousands of Native American’s to leave their native lands - “whites and natives cannot coexist”

“Trail of Tears” Moved to the Indian Territory, now

Oklahoma Question: What would these tribes be

loosing as they are being taken from their home land?

Clashes Over Land

As white settlers move west, they force natives onto reservations

As time goes by the reservations get smaller and smaller

Question: What reasons might white settlers have for taking native lands?

See map on Pg. 411

Buffalo

Most tribes on the great plains depended highly on the buffalo for survival

Question: try to think of as many things as possible that could be made from a buffalo.

Buffalo

As white settlers came west they hunted the buffalo to near extinction.

Nearly causing native life/culture to end.

US/Native Conflicts

Sand Creek Massacre – 1864 70+ Natives killed in CO while trying to

negotiate peace Red River War – 1874-75

US Army trying to force Native people from TX to the Indian Territory

Battle of Little Big Horn - 1876 Custer’s Last Stand Led to Wounded Knee Massacre

Dawes Act 0f 1887

Click for Video

Question: “The Dawes Act was the end of Native culture.” How far do you agree with this view? Explain your answer.

Assimilation

Assimilation: when one group of people adopt the cultural norms of another

Natives forced to adopt traditional American/European culture (1890-1945) Predominately school children

Red Power

A movement beginning in the 1960’s encouraging Native people to embrace their heritage

Occupation of Alcatraz Plymouth Rock protest AIM – American Indian Movement

Video

Question: To what extent do you feel that the Red Power movement was justified in their actions of protest? Explain your answer.

Click Video to Start