Round 3: Native Americans vs US Government

What was a primary cause of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876?

• The discovery of gold in the Black Hills, leading to an influx of settlers

• Disputes over the construction of a transcontinental railroad

• Native American refusal to sign the Dawes Act

• Conflicts over hunting rights in the region

Answer explanation

The primary cause of the Battle of Little Bighorn was the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which led to an influx of settlers encroaching on Native American lands, escalating tensions and conflict.

What factor contributed to the increase in conflicts between settlers and Native Americans during this period?

• The decline of the fur trade

• The success of Native American agricultural practices

• The establishment of Native American schools

• The expansion of U.S. settlements into Native American territories

Answer explanation

The expansion of U.S. settlements into Native American territories led to increased conflicts as settlers encroached on lands traditionally held by Native Americans, disrupting their way of life and leading to confrontations.

How did the U.S. government typically respond to Native American resistance during the late nineteenth century?

• By recognizing Native American sovereignty

• By using military force to suppress uprisings

• By negotiating treaties that favored Native American rights

• By providing financial compensation for lost lands

Answer explanation

During the late nineteenth century, the U.S. government often responded to Native American resistance by using military force to suppress uprisings, rather than recognizing their sovereignty or negotiating favorable treaties.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

• A decisive victory for the U.S. Army and the relocation of Native Americans

• A significant victory for the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes against U.S. forces

• A peace treaty that favored the U.S. government

• The establishment of a reservation for the Lakota

Answer explanation

The Battle of Little Bighorn resulted in a significant victory for the Lakota and Cheyenne tribes, as they successfully defeated U.S. forces, marking a notable moment in Native American resistance against U.S. expansion.

What was the significance of the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890?

• It symbolized the end of armed Native American resistance in the U.S.

• It marked the beginning of the Indian Wars.

• It resulted in the establishment of new treaties.

• It was a victory for the U.S. Army over the Plains tribes.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890 marked a significant turning point, symbolizing the end of armed Native American resistance in the U.S., as it effectively concluded the Indian Wars and led to the decline of Native American military power.

What was the Ghost Dance movement, and how did it affect relations between Native Americans and the U.S. government?

• A religious revival that promoted peaceful coexistence with settlers, leading to improved relations with the U.S. government

• A spiritual movement among Native American tribes that aimed to restore their traditional way of life, which caused fear among settlers and led to increased military actions by the U.S. government

• A military strategy developed by Native American leaders to resist U.S. expansion, leading to the Treaty of Fort Laramie

• A celebration of the buffalo’s return, resulting in a temporary truce with the U.S. Army

Answer explanation

The Ghost Dance was a spiritual movement among Native American tribes aimed at restoring their traditional way of life. It instilled fear in settlers, prompting increased military actions by the U.S. government, thus worsening relations.

What was the role of the U.S. military in the enforcement of treaties during the Plains Wars?

• The military strictly enforced the treaties to protect Native American rights.

• The military often ignored treaty stipulations, leading to further conflicts.

• The military was not involved in treaty enforcement.

• The military's role was limited to advisory capacities only.

Answer explanation

The military often ignored treaty stipulations, which contributed to escalating tensions and conflicts during the Plains Wars, undermining the agreements made with Native American tribes.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which of the following was the result of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

• Chief Geronimo was arrested by the U.S. government

• Native Americans defeated the U.S. troops led by George Custer.

• Chief Sitting Bull was killed.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Little Bighorn resulted in a significant victory for Native Americans, who defeated U.S. troops led by George Custer. This battle is often seen as a pivotal moment in the conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government.