Ghost dance movement

Definition

The ghost dance movement was a spiritual and political revival among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, characterized by a belief that performing specific dances could bring about the restoration of traditional ways of life and the return of deceased ancestors. This movement arose as a response to the oppressive conditions faced by Native Americans due to colonization and displacement, providing a means of cultural expression and resistance against colonial forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ghost dance movement began among the Northern Paiute tribe in Nevada around 1889 and spread rapidly to other tribes across the Western United States.
2. Leaders like Wovoka, a prophet from the Paiute tribe, preached that through the ghost dance, Native Americans could reunite with their ancestors and restore their lands and way of life.
3. The U.S. government viewed the ghost dance as a potential threat, leading to increased military presence in Native territories, particularly among tribes practicing the dance.
4. The tragic Wounded Knee Massacre effectively ended the ghost dance movement and highlighted the violent resistance to Native American cultural practices during this time.
5. Despite its suppression, the ghost dance movement remains a symbol of Native American resilience and resistance against colonialism and oppression.

Review Questions

• How did the ghost dance movement serve as a form of resistance against colonial oppression for Native Americans?
  • The ghost dance movement allowed Native Americans to express their cultural identity and spirituality in a time of deep oppression and loss. By believing that specific dances could restore their traditional ways of life and connect them with their ancestors, tribes found hope and unity amidst colonial forces seeking to erase their cultures. This spiritual resurgence was a direct challenge to colonial authority, highlighting their resilience and determination to preserve their heritage.
• Discuss the impact of the Wounded Knee Massacre on the ghost dance movement and its broader implications for Native American communities.
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 marked a devastating end to the ghost dance movement as U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux, including women and children. This violent suppression not only crushed the immediate hopes tied to the ghost dance but also instilled fear within Native communities regarding any expressions of cultural identity or resistance. The massacre became emblematic of the brutal tactics used by colonial forces against Indigenous peoples, further deepening historical trauma and solidifying resistance narratives among tribes.
• Evaluate how the ghost dance movement reflects broader themes of cultural revival and resistance within Indigenous communities facing colonialism.
  • The ghost dance movement is a powerful reflection of Indigenous resilience in confronting colonialism. It illustrates how marginalized communities can harness spirituality and cultural practices as forms of protest against oppression. The movement not only served to unite various tribes but also highlighted their desire for self-determination and reclamation of lost identities. By examining this phenomenon, we gain insights into the ongoing struggles for rights and recognition faced by Indigenous peoples today, showing that these historical movements are part of a larger continuum of resistance against colonial domination.

Related terms

Wounded Knee Massacre: A tragic event in 1890 where U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux, marking a significant point in the history of Native American resistance and the violent suppression of the ghost dance movement.

Buffalo Soldiers: African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War, some of whom were involved in conflicts with Native Americans during this period of resistance.

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1868 agreement between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes that aimed to establish peace and define tribal boundaries, though it was often violated by colonization efforts.