History of the United States Debate Responses
Week 3
After the establishment of the reservation system, American Indian uprisings were over. However, it did not mean that native groups became less socially active. When “the Truman and Eisenhower administrations both sought to dismantle the reservation system”, it resulted in the development of the American Indian Movement. Native Americans demanded greater tribal self-government and protested against federal attempts to integrate native communities into the American society. The Wounded Knee Incident is probably the most notable protest of Native American activists. American government ignored non-violent protests of the AIM; therefore, American Indian activists went to more decisive actions and captured Wounded Knee. Indeed, “the spectacle of armed Indians holding a town—and 11 hostages—had put the U.S. government on full alert” (American Indian Movement: We Shall Remain). The activists at Wounded Knee only wanted American government to follow treaties they signed with Indian tribes. I think that in many ways, the Wounded Knee incident was a successful protest. Although two activists were killed, the incident turned attention of both American government and the society. On the other hand, it showed American Indians that non-violent protests are ineffective as the federal government used to ignore them. The development of the AIM and the Wounded Knee Incident are examples of ineffective American Indian policy of the federal government.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your feedback, I think it was successful because it was the first time when Native Americans were widely supported by the American society and celebrities. Wounded Knee is a symbolical place for Indians because in 1890 more than 150 native people, including women and children, were killed by American troops. I think the symbolism of the Wounded Knee Massacre influenced the protesters in 1973; therefore, I doubt that they could have done something differently. They were angry and felt some connection with their ancestors who were murdered by Americans in 1890.
Response to Richard Hsiao:
Hello, Richard,
It is a very informative post because in my opinion, John Lewis is often overshadowed by more famous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. I think his greatest difference from other civil rights activists was that he was not afraid to disappoint the Kennedy administration. I agree that the President could and should have done more to destroy the segregation system in the United States. When other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement were grateful for small favors that the federal government granted, John Lewis and the Freedom Riders demanded full equality for African Americans. Probably, thanks to such people as the Freedom Riders, the Civil Rights Movement succeeded because they defended their principles to the last point. It is really inspiring how they fought for their rights and that there were Whites who joined this movement against racial segregation while other Whites could not understand their motivation to support African American. The Freedom Riders were beaten by angry mobs and arrested by the police, but …