The Impact of Westward Expansion on Native American Tribes

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video provides a comprehensive overview of the conflicts between Native American tribes and the expanding United States government during the late 19th century. It details the progression of federal policies from the Indian Removal Act to the reservation system and forced assimilation, highlighting the devastation of Indigenous cultures and ways of life. The narrative covers major events including the Nez Perce flight, the Battle of Little Bighorn, the Sand Creek and Wounded Knee massacres, and the near-extinction of the North American bison. The content explores key themes of resistance, displacement, and cultural erasure. It examines how the concept of Manifest Destiny and the discovery of resources like gold drove settlers onto treaty lands, leading to the "Indian Wars." The video also delves into the psychological and social impact of assimilation efforts, specifically the boarding school system and the Dawes Severalty Act, which aimed to dismantle tribal communal living in favor of individual land ownership. For educators, this video serves as a crucial resource for teaching the "Westward Expansion" unit from a balanced perspective that centers Indigenous experiences. It provides necessary historical context for understanding modern Native American issues and offers opportunities to discuss complex topics like government treaties, the definition of progress versus displacement, and the long-term effects of cultural assimilation policies on marginalized groups.