Indigenous Resistance and Colonial Encounters

Nov 12, 2024

Lecture Notes: Sea to Shining Sea - Indigenous Peoples and Colonial Encounters

Overview

  • Main Idea: The phrase "sea to shining sea" symbolizes the vision of U.S. expansion from coast to coast, but Indigenous peoples had long connected the Pacific and Atlantic through diplomacy and trade.
  • Indigenous Perspective: European colonization disregarded existing Indigenous networks and societies.

Indigenous Peoples and Early European Contacts

  • Doctrine of Discovery: Used by Europeans to justify territorial claims; ignored Indigenous sovereignty.
  • New Spain: Spanish occupation of Southwestern U.S. regions, impacting Apaches, Caddos, Comanches, Miwoks, Navajos, Pueblos, Utes.
    • Spanish occupation involved military, Catholic Church, settlers, and miners.
    • Indigenous resistance to occupation was common.

Indigenous Experience in Southwestern U.S.

  • Pueblo Peoples:

    • Thriving communities with agriculture and religions.
    • Spanish invasion in 1598 devastated Pueblo societies.
    • Pueblo Revolt of 1680: Led by Pueblo religious leader Pope, successful but temporary expulsion of Spanish.

  • Texas Indigenous Peoples:

    • Included Caddos, Apaches, Comanches, and Kiowas.
    • Spanish established San Antonio in 1718.
    • Mexican independence in 1821 led to strained relations.

Indigenous Peoples in California

  • Colonization: Began significantly in 1769 with Spanish missions led by Junipero Serra.
    • Missions aimed to convert and laborize Indigenous peoples.
    • Notable for harsh conditions and forced labor.

Impact of Colonization

  • Spanish Strategies: Included military force, diplomacy, and forced conversion.
  • Resistance and Diplomacy: Indigenous peoples used both strategies to combat European colonization.
  • Long-term Effects:
    • Colonization disrupted Indigenous cultures and societies.
    • Warfare and broken treaties weakened Indigenous positions.

Summary

  • The expansion of the United States involved significant conflict and resistance from Indigenous peoples.
  • Spanish and later Mexican colonization efforts were met with diplomacy and warfare by Indigenous groups.
  • Indigenous peoples' resilience and resistance played a crucial role in the history of Southwestern U.S. colonization.