Social Studies Lesson: Impact of Westward Expansion on Native Americans

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Bird
• Topic: How did the United States westward expansion affect Native Americans?
• Acknowledgment of the sad history involved in this topic.

Four Phases of Westward Expansion

1. Relocation
2. Repossess
3. Reform
4. Revenge

1. Relocation

• Initiated by Andrew Jackson with the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
• Native Americans in the Southeast forced to move to Oklahoma.
  • Over 15,000 forced to relocate; over 4,000 died during the journey.
• Systematic slaughter of buffalo later in the 1800s.
  • Buffalo were crucial for food and materials for Native Americans.
  • Decline of buffalo led to living on reservations controlled by the U.S. government.
  • Notable quote: "Every buffalo dead is an Indian gone."

2. Repossess

• Concept of land promises made to Native Americans by the U.S. government, which were later taken away.
• The Homestead Act encouraged westward expansion, offering free land to settlers, much of which had belonged to Native Americans.
• Diary entry from a Native American, "Screaming Bird," reflecting on the changes occurring:
  • Observations of the arrival of white settlers and the displacement of Native culture.
  • Feelings of loss regarding traditions and the future.
• Key event: Treaty of Fort Laramie
  • Promised land in Dakota Territory, which was later taken back once gold was discovered.

3. Reform

• Reform involved the forced assimilation of Native Americans into white culture.
• The Dawes Act of 1887 aimed to break up tribal land into individual family plots, forcing separation and change in community structures.
• Indian Boarding Schools established to promote assimilation into white culture and Christianity.

4. Revenge

• Battle of Little Bighorn (Custer's Last Stand): A significant victory for Native Americans against U.S. military.
  • Response from the U.S. military involved overwhelming force and starvation tactics.
• Wounded Knee Massacre: Over 150 Native Americans killed, with many being women and children.
  • Notable for the nature of the attack, indicating a one-sided massacre.

Conclusion

• The westward expansion resulted in the overwhelming conquest of Native Americans and their lands.
• Reflection on the sad chapters of U.S. history and the ongoing efforts to make amends for past injustices.
• Encouragement for further research on the topic.

Additional Information

• Dr. Bird urges viewers to download the accompanying worksheet and check the Vision Chasers website for more resources.
• Closing remark expressing gratitude and encouragement for students' journeys.