Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
Two Cultures in Conflict
An Investigation
into America's Experience With Genocide
On July 4, 1776 the American Declaration of Independence was first published in the English colonies in North America. For the last two hundred and twenty eight years the vision expressed by these revolutionary American colonists has served as the motivation and inspiration for not only the United States- but also for many countries all over the world.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,"
Thomas Jefferson- Declaration of Independence
Most young American school children learn very early that Christopher Columbus "discovered" America. However, as they get older they soon learn that there were thriving communities of "civilized" peoples who had been here in America long before Europeans "discovered" this land and these Native Americans. There were many opportunities for Euro-Americans and Native Americans to interact and learn to live together. Despite attempts by individuals on both sides- the relationship deteriorated into one of the darkest chapters in American history. It has taken until the 1990's before the United States government has finally made a commitment to live up to the vision of that long ago declaration in regards to the Native American peoples of the United States of America.
This webquest is aimed at helping you understand one important part of the attempt of the Euro-American peoples to live up to the vision expressed in Thomas Jefferson's eloquent words.
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
Your task is to investigate the relationship of the Euro-American peoples and the Native Americans who lived in present day United States. Ultimately, your investigation will prepare you to understand the causes and consequences of the most insidious forms of mans inhumanity to man. You will then be asked to serve on the executive committee of an interest group or government agency. Your final product will be to hold a press conference to announce recommendations as to how the United States government and people can provide justice to contemporary Native Americans.
Note: it would be useful to read the following short history of the Native American People before you proceed further. To access this background information click the word "Background Information". See also What It Means To Be An American Indian.
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
There are four steps to this process. You will. . . . . .
3) Evaluate recent attempts of the American government to live up to Jefferson's "vision".
Click on each step to to take you to the directions for that step.
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
Positive Relations
Pocahontas: http://www.incwell.com/Biographies/Pocahontas.html
Thanksgiving: http://www.pilgrimhall.org/f_thanks.htm
William Penn: http://www.williampenn.org/
Sacagawea: http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/inside/saca.html
Navajo Code Talkers: http://www.lapahie.com/NavajoCodeTalker.cfm
Breakdown
The Colonial Indian Wars- The Pequot War
The New Country- Government Policy Toward Native American Indians
The Indian Removal Act of 1830- Indian Removal Act Background
President Jackson's Message to Congress
Indian Removal Act of 1830 - Document
Cherokee Nation v. the State of Georgia (1831)
Other Primary Sources Concerning the Indian Removal Act of 1830
Westward Expansion of the 1860's-1890's-
The Native American Movement of the 1960's-
The Proclamation of the Great White Father and All His People
Native American Political Cartoon
The Indian Mind- Quotation Sheet
Jefferson's Vision
The Cherokee Constitution: Cherokee Constitution of 1839
Indians Right to Vote: The Massachusetts Indian Enfranchisement Act of 1869
Indian Rights: Declaration of Indian Purpose
Indian Citizenship: The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924
Cherokee Constitution of 1975: The Cherokee Constitution of 1975
Frustration of Native Americans: Take Over at Alcatraz
Proclamation to the Great White Father and All His People
Recommendation
Tribal Court Clearinghouse - selected U.S. laws concerning Native American peoples.
Native American Success Stories
United States Code: TITLE 25 - INDIANS -another site for all of the current U.S. laws relating to American Indians are available here, organized by chapters (sub-topics), with brief descriptions for each. Several sections appear to overlap or deal with similar issues.
The Supreme Court's Changing Stance On Tribal Sovereignty
Article on how "the decisions of the Supreme Court for the past 170 years have
defined, defended, and ultimately diminished that sovereignty."
|
General Resources:
Native American Documents Project
Treaties Between the United States and Native Americans
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
Scoring List for Press Conference
|
Points |
Element of Problems Solving/Communication/Technology Skills |
| 0-10 | Goal is clearly identified |
| 0-15 | Problems or constraints are thoroughly and accurately identified |
| 0-20 | Potential solutions with analysis of the cost and benefits of not chosen solutions |
| 0-25 | A chosen solution with analysis of the cost and benefits |
| 0-20 | Effective communication skills: eye contact, clear voice, proper pronunciation, effective visuals, ability to answer questions. |
| 0-10 | Effective technology skills: appropriate use of, appropriate pacing/timing |
| 100 | Total |
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
Freedom, equality, and prosperity are elusive ideals in the history of the world. The United States of America has managed to become the most free, equal, and prosperous country in the history of the world to this point. However, even in America it did not happen without pain and injustice. Even a people driven by a belief in the fair and just treatment of all human beings can fall into the sway of genocidal tendencies if we are not vigilant to a vision of justice and human dignity. Thank you for helping us never to forget.
Introduction The Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion Teacher Page
