Native Peoples of North America Season 1 Episode 13 Native Resistance in the West, 1850s-1870s
- TV-PG
- October 21, 2016
- 31 min
Native Peoples of North America season 1 episode 13 titled "Native Resistance in the West, 1850s-1870s" delves into the history of the indigenous people of North America during the mid-19th century to the late 1800s, following the forced migration of Native Americans to reservations. The episode explores the tactics and strategies of Native American resistance against the expansion of settlers and white government officials in the West.
Through interviews with tribal historians, scholars, and archivists, the episode highlights the events and figures that shaped the resistance movement during the period, including the Treaty of Fort Laramie and the subsequent Red Cloud's War, the 1862 Dakota War, and the Modoc War. The episode offers insights into the multiple layers of the resistance, from organized uprisings to individual acts of rebellion, and the role of Native American leaders such as Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Geronimo in inspiring and leading resistance.
The episode also explores the tactics employed by the US government to suppress Native American resistance, including the use of military force, violence, and forced relocation. The federal policies and tactics, such as the Indian Removal Act and the reservation system, which attempted to force assimilation and strip the native people of their cultural traditions and identity, are also discussed.
The episode showcases how Native American resistance shaped American history, leading to changes in the policies towards indigenous people and eventually, to the legal recognition of their sovereign rights. Through interviews with contemporary Native American leaders, historians, and scholars, the episode highlights the cultural and social impact of the resistance movement on Native American identity and the contemporary issues that continue to challenge the community.
Overall, "Native Resistance in the West, 1850s-1870s" is an informative and insightful episode that offers a comprehensive look into one of the most significant periods of Native American history. The episode provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of the resistance movement and the challenges faced by the indigenous people amid the expansion of America towards the West.