Native American Conflicts Objective 4.02

Natives live in the Great Plains. Natives followed: –Tribal law –Hunted –Traded –Produced beautifully crafted tools and clothing

Plains Native Americans Hunters and gatherers Nomads—followed buffalo Extended family networks Spiritual with nature Given control of plains land by the Treaty of Fort Laramie But settlers wanted the land

Bureau of Indian Affairs Created to deal with reservations in 1824Created to deal with reservations in 1824 Administers health and education programsAdministers health and education programs

Natives lived off the land, were essentially communist. Settlers in contrast believed in private land ownership.

Fortune seekers including Irish, German, Polish, Chinese and African American men crowded into the camps and boomtowns.

What is the new policy towards the Native Americans? Restrict all Native Americans to designated areas, the railroads were moving on out.

1864- Sand Creek Massacre

1868- Treaty of Fort Laramie

Why does it fail? Many Sioux resisted reservation restrictions and Sitting Bull never signed it.

Who was Sitting Bull? Leader of the Sioux who would be involved with killing Custer.

Battle of Little Big Horn a.k.a. Custer’s Last Standa.k.a. Custer’s Last Stand 1876—Between Sioux tribe, led by Chief Sitting Bull, and the 7 th Calvary of the Army, led by Col. George Custer1876—Between Sioux tribe, led by Chief Sitting Bull, and the 7 th Calvary of the Army, led by Col. George Custer Most famous incident in the Indian WarsMost famous incident in the Indian Wars

Custer led 200 soldiers against what turned out to be 2,000 to 3,000 Native American warriors, within 25 minutes, Custer and all his men were dead.

The federal government continued to support a policy of assimilation towards the Native Americans.

What was the purpose of the Dawes Act? Aimed to “Americanize” Indians, broke up reservations and gave some to Natives and sold rest to settlers.

Natives were also losing their buffalo population as the settlers were killing them for sport.

Chief Joseph’s Surrender 1855—Chief Joseph’s father, Old Joseph, signed a treaty that allowed his people to keep much of their land1855—Chief Joseph’s father, Old Joseph, signed a treaty that allowed his people to keep much of their land 1863—Another treaty was signed which reduced the amount of land1863—Another treaty was signed which reduced the amount of land

1877—A showdown over the second “non-treaty” came after Chief Joseph became the new Chief1877—A showdown over the second “non-treaty” came after Chief Joseph became the new Chief After months of fighting, Chief Joseph surrendered, forced many of the Nez Perce Tribe to be sent to a reservation in OKAfter months of fighting, Chief Joseph surrendered, forced many of the Nez Perce Tribe to be sent to a reservation in OK

“I have carried a heavy load on my back ever since I was a boy. I realized then that we could not hold our own with the white men. We were like deer. They were like grizzly bears. We had small country. Their country was large. We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not, and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them.”— Chief Joseph

Wounded Knee Massacre “Ghost Dance” on Sioux reservations had been banned“Ghost Dance” on Sioux reservations had been banned Dancing continued—1890—troops were called inDancing continued—1890—troops were called in Soldiers demanded all firearmsSoldiers demanded all firearms A soldier tried to disarm a deaf Native American- firearm went offA soldier tried to disarm a deaf Native American- firearm went off

When Native Americans ran to take cover, the troops begin to shoot at them allWhen Native Americans ran to take cover, the troops begin to shoot at them all At least 150 were killed and another 50 were woundedAt least 150 were killed and another 50 were wounded

U.S. Policy of dealing with Native Americans Movement—Trail of TearsMovement—Trail of Tears Reservation System—govern themselves, take up less space, control themReservation System—govern themselves, take up less space, control them Assimilation—give up their culture for the white man’s cultureAssimilation—give up their culture for the white man’s culture

Why assimilation failed… Little trainingLittle training Longed for former way of lifeLonged for former way of life Not willing to accept new lifestyleNot willing to accept new lifestyle

Century of Dishonor By Helen Hunt JacksonBy Helen Hunt Jackson Told of broken promises and assaults by the U.S.Told of broken promises and assaults by the U.S. Sparked discussion of better treatmentSparked discussion of better treatment

1890—Population of Native Americans in U.S. was 250, —Population of Native Americans in U.S. was 250,000 This was down from a Pre- European population of 10,000,000This was down from a Pre- European population of 10,000, % decline in population in 350 years97.5% decline in population in 350 years The effects…

Buffalo Soldiers African-American regiments in the West.

Cattle Drives Era of the open range