Ghost Dance Movement

Definition

The Ghost Dance Movement was a spiritual and religious revival among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, particularly during the 1880s and 1890s. It aimed to bring about a restoration of native lands, the revival of traditional ways of life, and the reunion with ancestors through a dance that was believed to hasten the arrival of a messianic figure. This movement emerged as a response to the increasing oppression and loss of sovereignty faced by Native Americans during westward expansion and government policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Ghost Dance Movement was characterized by a ceremonial dance that participants believed would bring about a revitalization of their cultures and way of life.
2. Wovoka, the leader of the movement, preached that through the Ghost Dance, Native Americans could unite and reclaim their ancestral lands from white settlers.
3. The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance with suspicion and fear, leading to increased military presence and conflict with Native American tribes.
4. The movement gained traction among various tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, who saw it as a means to resist assimilation and preserve their cultural identity.
5. The climax of tensions surrounding the Ghost Dance Movement culminated in the tragic Battle of Wounded Knee, which represented both the physical and spiritual suppression of Native American resistance.

Review Questions

• How did the Ghost Dance Movement serve as a form of resistance for Native American tribes during a time of oppression?
  • The Ghost Dance Movement was a significant act of resistance for Native American tribes as it offered a spiritual outlet to cope with oppression while promoting unity among tribes. Through this movement, participants believed they could reclaim their lost lands and restore their traditional ways of life. It became a symbol of hope and resilience against U.S. government policies that sought to erase Native cultures.
• What were the key beliefs associated with the Ghost Dance Movement, and how did they influence Native American communities at the time?
  • Key beliefs of the Ghost Dance Movement included the idea that a messianic figure would arrive to restore Native lands and reunite them with their ancestors. These beliefs influenced many Native American communities by fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose. The movement encouraged intertribal unity and provided a platform for expressing cultural pride amidst widespread disenfranchisement.
• Evaluate the impact of government responses to the Ghost Dance Movement on Native American rights movements in subsequent years.
  • Government responses to the Ghost Dance Movement had lasting impacts on Native American rights movements by highlighting the violent repression faced by indigenous peoples in their quest for autonomy. The brutal suppression at Wounded Knee not only marked a significant loss for Native Americans but also galvanized future generations to advocate for their rights. This incident catalyzed awareness and activism around issues of sovereignty, cultural preservation, and justice for indigenous peoples in America.

Related terms

Wovoka: A Paiute prophet who claimed to have received a vision that led to the Ghost Dance Movement, promising a return of the dead and restoration of Native American lands.

Battle of Wounded Knee: A tragic confrontation in 1890 between U.S. Army troops and Lakota Sioux that resulted in the massacre of hundreds of Native Americans, marking the end of the Ghost Dance Movement.

Reservations: Designated areas of land where Native American tribes were forced to relocate, often resulting in loss of culture, autonomy, and traditional livelihoods.