The cultural and territorial clash between Native Americans and European settlers represents a significant and tragic chapter in the history of the United States. Prior to European contact, Native Americans were organized in disparate communities individually governed by a council of elders, making comprehensive political negotiations with the colonizing Europeans problematic. Furthermore, diseases carried by the Europeans devastated Native American populations. However, in the 1960s many Native American groups began to advocate for expanded civil rights and the restoration of lost properties, helping to rebuild these shattered communities. The financial gains from casinos and hunting and fishing rights, for example, have contributed to better living conditions for many Native Americans in the 21st century.
The Multicultural America series offers students and general readers a fascinating glimpse into the history of different ethnic groups in the United States. The focus of the set is on the social history, customs, and traditions of immigrants across American history. Each volume examines a specific ethnic group and presents a remarkable array of valuable information, covering everything from food, dress, entertainment, work, education, popular pastimes, political activity, and contributions and conflicts in American society. In an engaging, informative manner, each volume describes what members of a group found when they first arrived in the United States up to their current status in American society.
Preface vii
1 The Colonial Era: Beginnings to 1776 1
2 The American Revolution: 1775 to 1783 21
3 The Early National Period and Expansion: 1783 to 1859 39
4 The Civil War to the Gilded Age: 1859 to 1900 59
5 The Progressive Era and World War I: 1900 to 1920 75
6 The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression: 1920 to 1939 93
7 World War II and the Forties: 1939 to 1949 109
8 The Civil Rights Era: 1950 to 1969 125
9 Activism and Conflict: 1970 to 1989 151
10 Native Americans Today: 1990 to the Present 179
Glossary 197
Index 203
Overview
The cultural and territorial clash between Native Americans and European settlers represents a significant and tragic chapter in the history of the United States. Prior to European contact, Native Americans were organized in disparate communities individually governed by a council of elders, making comprehensive political negotiations with the colonizing Europeans problematic. Furthermore, diseases carried by the Europeans devastated Native American populations. However, in the 1960s many Native American groups ...