Introduction
The conflict between Native Americans and American immigrants is an interesting topic for discussion because of its magnitude. It has been mostly caused by dissimilarities between these two cultures. Native Americans were not ready to accept changes that were coming, and American immigrants have taken advantage of this fact. It is especially hard to discuss that numerous women and children were ruthlessly wiped out by both sides.
It is hard for modern people to understand such barbaric behavior, but it must be said that the times were different. It is a part of history that is sometimes overlooked because of the subject matter that is hard for most to comprehend. It is also paramount to understand the fact that Native Americans did not know the meaning of the concept of a nation, and it was one of their weaknesses during the conflict (Barnes 19).
Societies that have been formed by Native Americans were truly unique, and it is hard to argue with the immense richness of their traditions and culture. It is imperative to discuss the role of the chiefs of Native American tribes. They were respected by the people, and some of them are well known for their quotes. The traditions and culture were of utmost importance for them, and this should not be disregarded.
Native Americans have become excellent hunters and riders as a result of frequent changes in the lifestyle, and this aspect has had an imperative role during the conflict. Young individuals participated in armed conflicts to demonstrate their courage because they wanted to be accepted by the elders. They could get married if they been to war and brought an enemy’s scalp in some tribes. One the other hand there are American settlers that have moved from numerous countries and wanted to explore new territories. It is one of the youngest nations in the world that has formed as a result of European colonization.
The exploration of the new areas was imperative for the settlers that have moved into the area of Northern America with their families. They have brought a broad range of traditions and technologies with them. However, it needs to be said that the culture has changed over the years with the development of the nation. It was inevitable that conflicts with people that inhabited these lands would occur. The difference in weapons that were preferred by both sides of the conflict also needs to be discussed. Native Americans were mostly using hatchets, tomahawks, knives, spears, bows, and others.
These weapons were unique and innovative because they were created mainly for hunting. Also, they were able to buy rifles from traders. American immigrants have used more traditional weapons such as swords, cannons, mortars, and others.
History
American settlers thought that Native Americans did not deserve the lands because they did not use them for agriculture, and only used the territories for hunting. Some of those conflicts were extremely brutal and had numerous casualties. Native Americans have suffered the most, and they nearly became extinct. Some tribes had to move to the regions that were previously not populated because of the climate.
However, they were not able to enjoy a peaceful existence because of the discovery of gold in 1848. It has lead to an enormous migration that is one of the biggest in history. Numerous groups of settlers have gathered to wipe out Native Americans. They acted rather violently, and massacres were happening quite often. Also, some individuals offered rewards for the scalps of Native Americans, and they did not see anything wrong with such behavior.
An enormous number of people have died because of a disease that was brought to the land from Europe, and there is a theory that is was done intentionally. It needs to be said that numerous tribes have ceased to exist because of the California Gold Rush. Some of them had a unique culture, and various aspects of it are forever lost because of such acts of violence. Native Americans did not want to live in a civilized world as it was viewed by American settlers, and they rather preferred to follow the steps of their ancestors. It is also paramount to discuss that some communities had different relationships with Native Americans.
Some of them seen trade as very beneficial, and some wanted to get a better understanding of the culture (Thompson 10). Most tribes were remarkably persistent, and they did not wish to accept the situation that has occurred. It is also imperative to understand that war was a crucial part of the culture of Native Americans because they believed that it brings true glory to an individual. Numerous tribes have fought against each other for centuries. They wanted to get better hunting grounds and places for settlement. It was not unusual for a certain area to be fought over for a long period. Wars started because of both religious and social reasons.
Revenge could also be viewed as one of the primary causes. This fact was often taken advantage of by American immigrants. They made sure that there is a conflict between the clans and attacked at the right moment when enemies are weakened. It is important to note the strengths of both sides of the conflict. Native Americans were exquisite at stealth and ambushes. Some settlers have often viewed it as an unworthy tactic, and they preferred to attack openly. However, it should be said that the tactical abilities of Native Americans should be admired because they often were able to achieve victories even when significantly outnumbered by enemies.
Conflict
Analysis
It must be said that there were numerous conflicts, and it is nearly impossible to mention all of them. However, the most significant ones should be addressed. The start of the armed conflicts is one of the most imperative aspects that should be taken into account. One of the earliest confrontations needs to be discussed. It is believed that settlers from Massachusetts wanted to revenge on Native Americans because they believed that they have murdered their traders. They have attacked the whole village that consisted of 500 people and burned it to ashes. Also, it is paramount to discuss the fact that Native Americans have had a significant role in wars that took place at that time and were one of the most important forces that helped American immigrants to become victorious over British people (Schmidt 88).
However, they were later betrayed, and some of the tribes had to move to stay safe. It was incredibly hard for some of them to survive because they were chased. The eighteenth-century is one of the most significant periods that should be discussed. Wars during this period were incredibly ruthless, and both sides have tortured and mass-murdered their enemies because it was important to gain an advantage by any means necessary.
Some of the Native American tribes were extremely dangerous, and one of the scariest traditions that should be discussed is scalping. This act is extremely vicious and was a part of the ritual because it was viewed as an achievement. Native American tribes have shown immense fighting capabilities, and it should have been understood that they should not be taken lightly (Barnes 151). Most of the conflicts between the people of North America have stopped after the American Revolution, and all of them have focused their attention on Native Americans. It is important to consider the fact that the lack of cooperation between the tribes was one of the primary reasons for their defeat.
It was hard for them to accept the presence of other people when they could not live peacefully with their people. The tribes had to face many challenges, but they still did not want to give up and fought until the very end of the war. The fact that American immigrants have wiped out herds of buffalo is paramount and was one of the central causes that have led to the defeat of tribes because it was hard to deal with the hunger. Native Americans never killed more beasts than they needed to satisfy the hunger, and they made a kind of preserves if there was any leftover meat. Philip Sheridan was one of the creators of this policy and he often discussed the necessity of such actions.
Some hunters wanted to sell the fur, but it was not popular and was bought only by workers. Native Americans had to accept rifles to their weaponry because they have seen their efficiency. Their tactics and maneuvers have also changed. It is paramount to discuss the fact that tactics that were used by Native Americans on the battlefields have improved dramatically over the years as they gained war experience. They were brave and courageous during armed confrontations, but it was not easy to overcome the technological advantage that their enemies had. The government tried to get rid of all the tribes, even the most civilized ones, and forced them to move.
Most attempts to resist such policies have stopped at the beginning of the 1830s. The introduction of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 has played an immense role because it became evident that the government supports such activities (Sioux 13). Forced relocations that followed were met mostly negatively by Native Americans, and they often resisted. It is hard to comprehend how such a policy was viewed as reasonable and was signed. Most chefs were forced to sign treaties. Furthermore, it has resulted in numerous confrontations. The government used the army to make sure that tribes leave the territories. The number of clashes is truly astounding. Approximately forty wars took place just over the period from 1789 to 1846.
Dakota War of 1862
Dakota War of 1862 is a conflict that happened in the territory of Minnesota. Sioux tribe was angered by the fact that The United States has often broken treaties, and most Native Americans were famished. They have decided to plan an attack on settlers to make sure that they leave this area, and lands that belong to them are reclaimed. The tribe has attacked civilians and military posts that they could find. Such actions were not fully supported by the community and some Native Americans have helped hostages to escape. It was entirely possible that it could have resulted in a civil war (Minnesota Historical Society par. 8).
The war has lasted for several months, and American settlers have often requested help from the government. It needs to be said that U.S. forces have lost some of the skirmishes, but they were victorious in the end. It is also necessary to note that there was a decision to hang an enormous number of Dakota, and this execution will be forever remembered in American history.
The Fetterman Massacre
A series of conflicts that happened during the period from 1854 to 1890 is known as Sioux Wars. It needs to be said that some of the attacks were extremely unfair because of differences in strengths. The Fetterman Massacre that happened in 1866 is one of the best examples. Native Americans were able to ambush Lieutenant Colonel William Fetterman and soldiers that have followed him. They used a diversionary attack to create a distraction.
The colonel made a huge mistake and had ordered his troops to follow one of the chiefs because he believed that it should not be dangerous. A party of Native Americans has completely taken out a group of U.S. soldiers and left no survivors. This incident had a tremendous impact on the spirit of Americans, and they were determined to avenge their people. The attack was a success for Native Americans because armed forces had to flee from the territory of the Bozeman Trail (“Indians Massacre Fetterman” par. 5).
The Hayfield Fight
Some of the greatest battles took place on the territory of current Montana State. Some of the minor fights such as The Hayfield Fight that took place near Fort C. F. Smith in 1867 may also be discussed. Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho have decided to attack American settlers. They used flaming arrows as a primary weapon. However, U.S. soldiers were able to put out the fire because smoke served as a distraction. The confrontation has lasted for more than a whole day. Native Americans have thought that it would take a certain amount of time to reload the rifles and waited for an opportunity to strike.
However, it needs to be said that U.S. forces had a tremendous technological advantage because they used the latest available equipment, and it allowed them to gain a significant benefit (Fifer 26). The conditions and environment were ruthless, and it was not an easy task for U.S. soldiers to handle such weather. The number of attackers was significant but American settlers were victorious in the end.
Battle of the Little Bighorn
Battle of the Little Bighorn is one of the most well-known ones. It happened in 1876, and the most significant aspect of this armed engagement is that three tribes have united to fight against one of the cavalries of the U.S. Army. Native Americans were enraged by the policies that were introduced. The biggest issue is that it was not possible to warn most about an order of the U.S. government to return to certain territories. Also, many rejected it altogether. Sitting Bull, a Lakota chief was able to gain numerous followers that were mostly from Northern Cheyenne, Lakota, and Arapaho tribes have gathered near Little Bighorn River.
On the other hand, army columns were organized to deal with Native American bands. Lieutenant Colonel has decided to attack when few Indians were sighted. He decided to split the forces to attack from different sides. The number of enemies was one of the biggest factors that have led to the defeat of U.S. forces. It is also important to note that Custer’s party was cut off and lost a rather brief battle. Native Americans were extremely courageous and had shown impressive tactical skills during this confrontation. However, the U.S. government decided to send an enormous group of troops to the area, and Native Americans had to give up (Urwin par. 8).
Battle of Canyon Creek
Battle of Canyon Creek that happened in 1877 is also one of the most significant conflicts of the Nez Perce War. The 7th Cavalry that was led by Colonel Samuel Sturgis has attacked a group of Native Americans that they followed (Fifer 187). It needs to be said that both sides were fatigued and did not expect a confrontation. Indian warriors were able to distract the U.S. forces while women and children escaped to safety. It is believed that one that has single-handedly kept a group of enemies at bay for an extended period thanks to his masterful use of bow and arrows. It could be viewed as a victory for Native Americans, but they lost a huge amount of necessary resources.
Wounded Knee Massacre
Wounded Knee Massacre that took place in 1890 on the territory of the Indian reservation is one of the last confrontations, and it needs to be discussed. One of the issues that have to lead to this conflict is the Ghost Dance, a ritual that was performed by Native Americans because they believed that it would help them to solve current problems. U.S. officials have banned such activities and chased anyone who disobeyed. The army has gathered to capture Big Foot, a chief of one of the tribes. There is an opinion that soldiers have heard a shot from the side of Native Americans, and they have opened the fire. It most likely was an accident because their chief was in a weakened state.
They wiped out the whole camp including women and children (“The Wounded Knee Massacre” par. 8). Many think that such actions were unnecessary, and Native Americans were ready to give up their weapons without a conflict. It can also be viewed as one of the ending points of the Indian Wars. Vicious conflicts have continued until 1924. Overall, the dissimilarity between the numbers of casualties should be noted because the count of deceased Native Americans is truly astounding.
Possible Solutions
It is extremely hard for modern people to discuss how a particular conflict could have been resolved because we did not live at that time and do not have a full understanding of traditions and culture. It is important to acknowledge the fact that some groups of individuals tried to resolve the conflicts in different times, but more than 375 treaties have not resulted in anything positive. Such attempts were mostly not as successful as expected because their effectiveness was short term. It needs to be said that some of the institutions were corrupted at that time, and there were many instances when the land was unfairly taken.
This situation has only worsened the conflict, and tension was immense. One of the primary reasons for the conflict is the presence of tremendous differences in mentalities and culture. Understandably, this could have led to numerous disagreements because it may be seen that various armed conflicts are still happening because of religious and other reasons. Both sides have broken the rules that were listed in the agreements.
However, American settlers should have taken necessary measures to avoid such incidents because they were much more civilized, and had access to technologies that were modern at that time. Also, it needs to be said that the government at that time was at a rather early stage of development, and it was not easy to manage corruption. Some of the laws that were introduced were aimed strictly at Native Americans. It needs to be said that Americans were a new nation, and they needed the time to develop necessary policies and peacemaking strategies that would help to address such issues. It must be acknowledged that Native Americans desired freedom above everything else, but they were not ready to let others take the lands that historically belonged to them. Understandably, American immigrants thought that some of the territories were not used to their full potential, but some attempts to co-exist should have been made.
However, it is hard to say what would happen later because it is a known fact that some events in history were not expected, and a new issue could be introduced if one of the problems is resolved. It needs to be said that it is not likely that this conflict could have been settled peacefully at this stage because of issues with trust. Both sides have betrayed each other numerous times, and it was not possible to ignore this aspect. Stricter policies could have helped to address the fact that most American settlers did not comply with the laws that were introduced by the governments and continued to act against Native Americans.
Pay for the use of lands should have been offered from the very start, and numerous conflicts could have been avoided. The presence of a language barrier is also a significant aspect that could have led to possible complications. It is also interesting that settlers would not act like this on the territory of Europe, but they believed that they can do anything that they want on these lands and get away with it because they are not regulated by the law. Some think that there is no way that this conflict could be avoided. However, settlers could have ignored Native Americans because some of the lands were not inhabited, and it was not necessary to initiate a conflict.
They could begin the industrialization of the territories because all required resources were present. It could be a start of cooperation with Native Americans, and both parties could have provided a range of benefits to each other. Also, tribes could have moved to another territory as was requested by the settlers. However, it is understandable that they did not want to because they thought that these lands rightfully belonged to them, and they did not want to give up so easily.
There is another option that should have been considered. American immigrants should have helped Native Americans to move because it is not an easy task to travel through some of the territories. Also, they could learn to co-exist in the territories. Such brutal treatment towards Indian tribes was entirely unnecessary. However, it should be said that numerous reasons for conflicts that have occurred should be considered, and it would not be easy to address all of them. It should be understood that most disagreements have resulted in wars at that time, and a peaceful resolution was a rather rare occurrence. Overall, it is hard to say what could have happened if it was possible to resolve the conflict because numerous factors should be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is hard to say who should take full responsibility for the conflict because both sides were not able to accept the traditions of others and were extremely aggressive towards each other. Both American immigrants and Native Americans have wiped out thousands of people, and some of them were entirely innocent. It may only be described as a conflict between the cultures because all of it lost likely would not happen if these people were able to negotiate peacefully.
Racism could also be viewed as one of the causes because white people believed that Native Americans are not as civilized as they are. The absence of laws on the territory of North America at that time was one of the primary reasons that allowed settlers to act as they did. It is entirely possible that the conflict could have been resolved if both sides cooperated. However, it is hard to predict what impact it would have on the course of history.
Both Native Americans and American immigrants were extremely vicious and not acceptable to others, and it has significantly worsened the conflict over the years. Betrayals happened quite often, and both sides could not trust each other. It is hard to argue with the fact that some tension still exists, and it is understandable because it is hard to forget centuries of wars and rivalries. However, it is important to note that the conflict has been completely resolved, and both cultures live peacefully nowadays. Also, it needs to be said that both sides have demonstrated unique war strategies and tactics that were remarkably successful.
The U.S. forces used some of the most modern technologies at that time, but some of the fights still were lost because Native Americans were very skillful warriors. Some of these conflicts are still studied by scientists. It is a known fact that white Americans have a history of unfair treatment towards people of other nationalities. However, nowadays the country has made enormous progress towards a society without racism and discrimination, and the traditions of other countries are acknowledged and sincerely respected. However, some issues are still present and need to be addressed. Overall, it is an imperative part of history that should not be forgotten and needs to be discussed much more often.
Works Cited
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Fifer, Barbara. Montana Battlefields, 1806-1877. Helena, MT: Farcountry Press, 2005. Print.
“Indians Massacre Fetterman and Eighty Soldiers.” History. n.d. Web.
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Schmidt, Ethan A. Native Americans in the American Revolution. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2014. Print.
Sioux, Tracee. Native American Migration. New York, NY: PowerKids Press, 2004. Print.
“The Wounded Knee Massacre.“. U. S. History, n.d. Web.
Thompson, William N. Native American Issues. 2nd ed. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2005. Print.
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