WWI and WWII Native Americans Flashcards
What was the first Indian pressure group?
1911 – Society of American Indians formed, first Native American pressure group. Lacked funds and mass support, largely due to the fact Native Americans were spread across the whole country and they did not share aims for future.
What inspired use of code in WWI?
1918 Germans broke US codes at Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Two Choctaw soldiers on 142nd Infantry Regiment were found using Native tongue and became coders. At home Choctaw soldiers assimilated.
In WWI how many Natives participated and what discussion was there regarding their conscription?
12,000 Native Americans involved in war, received little recognition from government or Bureau of Indian Affairs. 1917 Military Service Act made it compulsory for men to join draft but protest arose as Native Americans didn’t have equal rights and didn’t have to fight. May 1917 Selective Service Act forced participation. Gosiute tribesmen in Nevada refused to participate but Society of American Indians argued war would enhance rights.
What was home effort during WWI?
At home Cato Sells, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, provided farming methods on allotments. 250,000 Native Americans participated. They were criticised for not farming to full potential, after war farmers in debt with overproduction and drought.
What was consequence of end of WWI?
After war, Native Americans gained citizenship rights as recognition of their efforts with 1924 Citizenship Act but allotment and assimilation was sped up by Woodrow Wilson and immigration was reduced as part of Americanising the country. Native Americans granted citizenship and right to vote. However, many were uninterested and the government only did this to further assimilate Native Americans. They didn’t regain sovereignty and lands were further reduced. Dance Order banned practise of traditional dances.
What was the Meriam Report?
1928 Meriam Report, produced by Lewis Meriam of Bureau of Indian affairs, very complete assessment promoting education. Discussed high disease on reservations such as TB and trachoma, poor diet and inadequate water supply and unsanitary housing, low income reliant in selling land, rations, lease money (unearned income), and tribal funds – recognised idle Indian stereotype.
What was impact of Meriam Report?
Impact – Rhoads Reforms set in 1929 closing off-reservation schools and replacing them with improved schools on reservations and enhancing medical facilities. Further reform with New Deal.
WWII - who was Ira Hayes? What was participation of Navajo in war?
Ira Hayes was a Navajo from Arizona who took part in the battle of Iwo Jima, 1945, during WWII, against Japanese. Navajo sent over 800 messages during war and Department of Defence declassified efforts. On February 23, 1945, he with the Easy Company put up the US flag at Mount Suribachi and used his fame to influence politicians on their policies regarding Native Americans. April 20th 1945 met Truman, won Navy Commendation from Marine Corps.
How much did Natives participate in WWII?
Over 4000 Navajo served during WWII and 400 were involved in code talking. Codes within codes confused enemies. 25,000 Native Americans served in war and 75,000 at home gained employment in urban areas for defence.
How did Ira Hayes respond to end of war?
Ira Hayes was modest about his war efforts and was disturbed that Harlon Block was mistaken in the picture of the Easy Company, it was Hansen in the photo. He died in 1955 after suffering alcoholism.
What was consequence of end of WWII?
After Pearl Harbour Japanese Americans ordered into camps, given reservation land as compensation after war. Those who served in war denied educational opportunities and munitions factory workers were forced out of their jobs.
What was the NCAI?
1944, National Congress of American Indians set in Denver, Colorado, by 80 educated Native Americans and two female leaders set to resist termination and unite Native Americans. Would challenge employment/education discrimination and the breaking of treaties.
