The "Indian Problem": Assimilation of Native Americans

After the era of Reconstruction, America could again fully turn her attention to "The West". Having long been the subject of fascination, "moving west" again became the focal point of politics and the commoners' dream. But here again Americans faced an age-old problem: what to do with the natives?

We know that often violence was used to push off natives from their homeland and that practice was sure to continue. But for this week's blog, we are going to examine another method: Boarding Schools.

Watch this video about the attempt by the government to assimilate native tribes into a "mainstream American culture".

In the comments section, choose three of these questions to answer:
1) What motivation did Americans have for forcing native tribes into an agricultural lifestyle?

2) What does the word "assimilation" mean? Do you think there is one singular "American Culture" for people to be assimilated into?

3) Describe the Boarding School system. What shocked/saddened you in the video?

4) Do you think the Boarding School system wore down the native's desire to stand firm OR emboldened their pledge to defend their traditional way of life?

5) What was the Dawes Act? What were the consequences of this act?

6) Why do you think the Federal Government believed they had the right/authority to restrict native lifestyle the way they did?

Reconstruction: Putting the Pieces Back Together

The era after the Civil War is often referred to as Reconstruction. The basic premise behind this moniker is America was split in two from 1861-1865, so the following decade was spent reconstructing the country. As you are going to learn, this was an incredibly delicate process with mixed results.

For this week's blog, visit this website and read any three of the fifteen links under the "Textbook Section". In the comments section, summarize what you learned from each link you read. Remember, your post must be at least 200 words and must include the word count.