Native American Resistance Evasion And Survival 1865-1890: Unveiling the Heroic Struggles of Indigenous Communities

An Overview of Native American Resistance from 1865 to 1890

Highlighting a pivotal era in the history of Native American communities, this article delves into the relentless efforts of indigenous tribes to resist oppression, evade displacement, and ensure their survival. From 1865 to 1890, Native Americans faced numerous challenges due to the westward expansion of the United States and the government's policy of assimilation.

The Impact of Westward Expansion on Indigenous Tribes

As the United States expanded westward, Native American tribes found themselves encroached upon by settlers seeking to acquire their ancestral lands. This expansion led to violent conflicts such as the Great Sioux War of 1876 and the Battle of Little Bighorn, where tribes like the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne fought fiercely to protect their land and way of life.

The Evading Tactics Employed by Indigenous Communities

Driven by the need to survive and preserve their cultural identities, Native American tribes developed ingenious forms of resistance that allowed them to evade capture and displacement. Many tribes sought refuge in the vast expansive lands, utilizing their expert knowledge of the environment to outwit the pursuing authorities.

Military Conquest of the Prairie: Native American Resistance, Evasion and Survival, 1865–1890

by Philippe Buc(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The Tactics of Camouflage

Native American warriors, such as the Apache and Comanche, were renowned for their ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. They utilized natural elements to camouflage themselves during battles, making it difficult for their opponents to locate and engage with them.

Strategic Retreats and Guerrilla Warfare

Realizing the futility of direct confrontation against the superior firepower of the U.S. military, many tribes embraced guerrilla warfare tactics. They utilized hit-and-run tactics, launching surprise attacks on military outposts and supply lines, then swiftly retreating into the safety of the wilderness.

The Role of Native American Women in Resistance

Often overlooked in historical narratives, Native American women played a vital role in the resistance efforts. They served as strategists, messengers, healthcare providers, and provided invaluable support to warriors on the front lines. Their bravery and resilience played a crucial part in ensuring the survival of their communities.

Government Policies and Assimilation Efforts

The U.S. government, intent on assimilating Native Americans into white society, implemented policies such as the Dawes Act and Indian Boarding Schools. These policies aimed to strip indigenous communities of their cultural identity, language, and traditions, forcing them to adopt Euro-American ways of life.

The Spirit of Native American Resistance Lives On

Despite formidable challenges, many Native American tribes managed to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions. Today, their resilience and ongoing resistance serves as an inspiration for current generations. Efforts to revive and celebrate Native American culture and history are underway, promoting a more inclusive understanding of America's past.

The period between 1865 and 1890 witnessed the incredible resilience of Native American communities as they fought to resist oppression, evade displacement, and ensure their survival. Through strategic evasion tactics, the invaluable contributions of Native American women, and a steadfast determination to preserve their cultural identity, they left an indelible mark on the pages of history. The ongoing efforts to revive and celebrate their heritage serve as a testament to their enduring legacy.

Military Conquest of the Prairie: Native American Resistance, Evasion and Survival, 1865–1890

by Philippe Buc(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4413 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Military Conquest of the Prairie is a study on the final wars on the prairie from the Native American perspective. When the reservation system took hold about one-third of tribes stayed permanently there, one-third during the harsh winter months, and the last third remained on what the government termed unceded territory, which Native Americans had the right to occupy by treaty. Contrary to the expectations of the government, and indeed to most historical accounts, the Native Americans were winning on the battlefields with clear conceptions of strategy and tactics. They only laid down their arms when their reservation was secured on their homeland, thus providing their preferred living space and enabling them to continue their way of life in security. Vicious attacks were initiated in order to stamp out tribalism, resulting in driving the US aboriginal population almost to extinction. Analysis of these events is discussed in light of the passing of the Dawes Act in 1887 that provided for breaking up the reservations to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 that gave a semblance of justice to Native Americans.