History Through Literature Chapter 3: The Indian Country History Through Literature

“The Indian Problem” Turn to page 261 of our regular text book. Read the Setting the Scene paragraphs. Compare with Ambrose on page 28 and page 35 The Great West after Civil War was a 1,000 square mile of nothing – mountains, plateaus, deserts and plains (Indians), 25 years later it was carved into states – never before in human experience has so huge an area been transformed so rapidly. Oklahoma

Blackhawk War of 1832 1804: some Sauk and Fox Indians were visiting St. Louis. Signed a deal seceding all land east of the Mississippi. Not chiefs. 1825: Blackhawk and Keokuk singed a treaty in English that gave the land up again. And forced off by 1828 1832: US not paying money or food and Indians starving, Blackhawk crossed Mississippi to live with the Winnebagos. No food or military aid arrived – US sent army, Blackhawk tried to get back. Raided Apple River Fort settlement for food. Stillman Run 800 men, women, and children massacred at Bad Axe Wisconsin trying to cross the Mississippi. Aftermath: 3 future presidents fought, Lincoln, Taylor, Davis Blackhawk traveled to DC, met with Jackson, given a tour of US cities on the way home.

The Plains Indians Live in the Great Plains Used buffalo Were agriculture but with the introduction of the horse, became nomadic again. Nomadic Indians increased warriors – increased warfare Fought among themselves as much as against settlers.

The US Government No settlers from Mississippi to California US make land more productive Restricted Native Americans to reservations used “chiefs” who were not really cheifs Did not honor treaties BIA – poor job delivering supplies to Indians/lots of corruption

George Armstrong Custer 1939-1876 General in Civil War and Indian Wars Vain, heedless of authority and foolhardy Achieved great distinction in the Civil War “Chief of Thieves” Court Marshaled twice Killed at Little Big Horn

Crazy Horse Lakota Sioux Believed he had visions Born natural leader Brains behind the Fetterman Massacre – tricked US army Might have led flanking assualt that doomed Custer at Little Big Horn.

Battles Most Indians died from disease – not bullets No alliances among Indians Sand Creek Massacre, 1864 – after some Cheyenne raids on wagon trains. Chief Black Kettle (had nothing to do with raids) was lured to a peace meeting at Sand Creek – US slaughtered 150 – 500 men, women and children Fetterman Massacre – US Captain and 81 men killed an mutilated Little Bighorn, 1876 – Custer found gold in the Black Hills, Red Cloud entered into agreements to sell it. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse refused, met Custer with 2,000 Indians against his 200. “Custer’s Last Stand” (originally attacked the village) Reports that Crazy Horse was restless, US arrested him, he resisted and was shot. His followers surrendered, but during the surrender, someone fired a shot and 200 Sioux were killed.

History? When Whites wiped out Indians, the engagement was usually a battle. When Indians wiped out whites, it was a massacre. Strategy, when practiced by Indians was a treachery.

Assimilation Tried to change Native American Culture. Sent to schools to be educated as “Americans” 1887 – Dawes act outlawed concept of shared land – now private property Land divided up into 160 acres and NA told to farm – by 1932 2/3 of Indian land in the hands of Americans.

Conclusion’s History text book – page 267 Ambrose – page 41 Transcontinental railroad was a literal dagger through the heart of Indian country. Bring troops, supplies and settlers Indians showed little resistance to disease and no resistance to firewater.