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Native Americans

Indigenous peoples who lived west of the Mississippi, with a population of 360,000 during the mid to late 1800s.

Cultural exposure

The process by which Native Americans became increasingly aware of and influenced by Eastern cultures.

Sioux

A prominent Native American tribe known for its rich cultural heritage and significant historical events.

Mandan

A Native American tribe known for their unique religious rituals, including the annual Okipa ceremony.

Buffalo

A key food source for Native Americans, essential for survival and deeply rooted in their religious beliefs.

Transcontinental Railroad

A rail line that connected the east and west coasts of the United States, leading to significant changes in the Plains.

Buffalo hunters

Individuals hired by railroads to kill buffalo herds, greatly contributing to the species' decline.

Teton Massacre

An event in which Native Americans killed gold miners, a response to encroachment on their lands.

Medicine Lodge Creek Treaty

An 1867 treaty aimed at relocating Southern Plains Natives to Oklahoma.

Custer's Last Stand

The battle in 1876 at Little Bighorn where Custer and his men were defeated by Sioux warriors.

Sitting Bull

A prominent Sioux chief and spiritual leader who became a symbol of Native American resistance.

Buffalo Bill

William Cody, known for his Wild West Show which showcased myths and legends of the American West.

Carlisle Indian School

A boarding school aimed at assimilating Native Americans into European American culture.

Ghost Dance Religion

A spiritual movement among the Sioux that promised resurgence and protection against colonization.

Dawes Severalty Act

An 1887 law that forced Native Americans to adopt individual landownership and citizenship.

Economic downturns

Periods of economic decline that led to reduced rations for Native American reservations.

Cultural assimilation

The process in which Native Americans were encouraged to abandon their cultural practices for European American norms.

Okipa ceremonies

Religious rituals performed by the Mandan that included elaborate rites and cultural symbolism.

Bison extinction

The near extinction of the American Bison by 1900 due to overhunting and habitat loss.

Railroad expansion

The growth of railway systems into western territories, leading to conflicts with Native Americans.

Homesteading

The settlement of land typically made available to settlers by the U.S. government.

Custer's heroism

The public image of George Custer, shaped by his actions and media coverage after his military engagements.

Nez Perce

A Native American tribe from the Pacific Northwest known for their significant history with U.S. expansion.

Ration reductions

Cuts made to the food supplies provided to Native Americans living on reservations.

Uprisings

Rebellions by Native American tribes against U.S. government policies and actions.

William Cody

Also known as Buffalo Bill, he was influential in creating a romanticized image of the American West.

Economic exploitation

The practice of land speculators buying Native land, undermining their rights and autonomy.

Cultural identity

The shared characteristics that define a group, often threatened by external pressures for assimilation.

Annual migrations

The seasonal movement of buffalo herds that Native Americans relied upon for food.

Sitting Bull's death

An event that catalyzed increased resistance among the Sioux following his assassination.

Cultural practices

Traditions and rituals that define a group's identity, often disrupted by colonization.

Gold miners

Individuals who sought to extract gold from the earth, often leading to conflicts with Native Americans.

Religious beliefs

Spiritual practices and ideologies that are significant to Native American tribes.

Farming parcels

Land allocated to Native Americans under the Dawes Act for agricultural purposes.

Cultural legacy

The lasting impact of Native American traditions, stories, and cultural elements on American society.

Settler expansion

The movement of settlers into territories inhabited by Native Americans, leading to conflict and displacement.

Iron Horse

A term referring to the locomotive trains that symbolized technological advancement and its impact on Native populations.

Cultural survival

The efforts made by Native Americans to maintain their cultural heritage amidst assimilation pressures.

Provisions

Supplies of food and resources provided to Native Americans, which were often insufficient.

Westward expansion

The movement of American settlers into the western territories, significantly affecting Native communities.

Civil rights

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, relevant to the struggles of Native Americans.