World War I Flashcards
How did Native Americans help with coding during war?
In 1918 the Germans had broken the US military codes at the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Two Choctaw soldiers on the 142nd Infantry Regiment were speaking Native tongue and became coders. This method was to be used in WWII, but at home the Choctaw children in Oklahoma were being assimilated and punished for speaking the language.
How many were involved in war?
12,000 Native Americans were involved in war but the code-talkers received little recognition by the government or Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Which acts were passed to encourage involvement?
The 1917 Military Service Act made it compulsory for men to join draft but a few Native Americans protested due to their lack of rights and Natives eventually didn’t have to fight. In May 1917 the Selective Service Act made Natives participate
What debate was there over war involvement?
There were divisions in the debate regarding whether Indians should be in segregated units or not. In Nevada Gosiute tribesmen refused to register. The Society of American Indians argued war would enhance rights.
How was WWI used at home to try and assimilate?
It was hoped WWI would assimilate Indians. 250,000 Native Americans at home used allotment lands to farm and produce food for war, with Cato Sells, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, providing methods. Native Americans did receive criticism for not farming to full potential but many lacked equipment. After war, farmers were in debt due to overproduction and drought.
What was the 1924 Citizenship Act?
A result of Native Americans being part of the United States Army in WWI, finally gave citizenship rights but came with discrimination, and Native Americans remained wards of the state. Meanwhile, immigration was tied down to Americanise the country, achieving a cultural melting pot. Woodrow Wilson’s Commissioner of Indian Affairs sped up allotment to hasten assimilation.
What was the 1928 Meriam Report?
Produced by Lewis Meriam, outlined issues facing Native Americans. Most complete assessment made by Bureau of Indian Affairs and promoted education of Indians to become more civilised
What did the Meriam Report outline?
- Disease such as tuberculosis and trachoma.
- Diet insufficient, unsanitary housing conditions and inadequate water supply.
- Income low, largely earned through selling land or earning rations from government, alongside tribal funds. Attitude of idle Indian. Few employment opportunities for graduates.
- Unearned income from government lease money and selling timber/oil.
