The Long Walk

Definition

The Long Walk refers to the forced relocation of the Navajo people in the 1860s, where thousands were marched over 300 miles to a desolate reservation at Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. This event is a significant moment in Native American history, highlighting the devastating impact of U.S. government policies on Indigenous peoples and their way of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long Walk began in 1864 and lasted until 1868, resulting in the forced march of approximately 8,000 Navajos to Bosque Redondo.
2. Conditions during the Long Walk were brutal, with many Navajos suffering from starvation, disease, and harsh weather during the trek.
3. The U.S. government justified the Long Walk as a means to control Navajo raids and protect settlers, but it effectively disrupted Navajo culture and family structures.
4. At Bosque Redondo, Navajos faced inadequate food supplies and poor living conditions, leading to high mortality rates and suffering.
5. The Long Walk ended with the signing of the Treaty of 1868, which allowed Navajos to return to their homeland and marked a significant moment of resilience for the tribe.

Review Questions

• How did the Long Walk impact Navajo society and culture during the 19th century?
  • The Long Walk had a profound impact on Navajo society and culture by forcibly disrupting traditional ways of life and displacing families from their ancestral lands. The traumatic experience of the march and subsequent confinement at Bosque Redondo led to a loss of cultural practices and community cohesion. Many Navajos struggled with grief over lost family members and homes, creating long-lasting scars that would affect future generations.
• Discuss the reasons behind the U.S. government's decision to implement the Long Walk policy and its consequences for the Navajo people.
  • The U.S. government's decision to implement the Long Walk policy stemmed from a desire to exert control over the Navajo people amid growing tensions between Indigenous tribes and settlers. The justification centered around claims that relocating the Navajos would prevent raids on settler communities while promoting assimilation into American society. However, this policy resulted in immense suffering for the Navajo people, as it stripped them of their land, autonomy, and cultural identity.
• Evaluate the legacy of the Long Walk in shaping modern perceptions of Native American history and sovereignty.
  • The legacy of the Long Walk plays a crucial role in shaping modern perceptions of Native American history by highlighting themes of resilience and resistance against oppression. It serves as a stark reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples under U.S. policies. The experience also laid groundwork for ongoing discussions about sovereignty, land rights, and reparations for Native American tribes today, influencing contemporary movements advocating for Indigenous rights and recognition.

Related terms

Navajo Nation: The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American territory in the United States, located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and has its own government and legal system.

Bosque Redondo: Bosque Redondo was the site where Navajos were forcibly relocated during the Long Walk, characterized by harsh conditions and inadequate resources.

Indian Removal Act:

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was a U.S. law that facilitated the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated 'Indian Territory.'