HST 202 Module #2
The Ghost Dance (1889 CE - 1898 CE)
Welcome to HST 202! This is the second learning module looking at the United States at the end of the 19th century. The 1890s were a time of significant change and transformation in the United States, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social and cultural change. The period was also marked by political and economic conflict as various groups struggled for power and influence. The 1890s saw significant artistic and intellectual developments, including the emergence of modernism in literature and the arts. Studying American history in the 1890s can provide valuable context and perspective on contemporary issues and challenges and help us understand the forces that have shaped our society over time.
Welcome to HST 202! This is the second learning module looking at the United States at the end of the 19th century. The 1890s were a time of significant change and transformation in the United States, marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social and cultural change. The period was also marked by political and economic conflict as various groups struggled for power and influence. The 1890s saw significant artistic and intellectual developments, including the emergence of modernism in literature and the arts. Studying American history in the 1890s can provide valuable context and perspective on contemporary issues and challenges and help us understand the forces that have shaped our society over time.
There is a common myth that lingers within the historical community. Every year I ask my students whether they enjoy history or not. Generally, I get a good mixed of enjoyment juxtaposed with physical anguish. If I press further and see WHY they hate studying history, the overwhelming answer is that history never changes. It’s boring. Well, I am here to put that baby to bed with rule number two of history: History is always changing. If we were to receive all our information from a textbook written 30 years ago, then yes, history doesn’t change. But as we discover more artifacts buried in mountain side, or we invite more perspectives to the table (much like the 1619 Project), history becomes a tad more elastic.
History is always changing because new information and perspectives are constantly being discovered and added to our understanding of the past. Our knowledge of history can change as we learn more about the past through discovering new sources and reinterpreting existing ones. Several factors contribute to the changing nature of history. One is the availability of new sources. As historians uncover new primary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and other materials, they can add further information and perspectives to our understanding of the past. This can sometimes lead to a reinterpretation of previously accepted historical narratives. For example, recent research has revealed that the ancient Maya civilization was much more sophisticated and technologically advanced than previously thought.
Another factor contributing to the changing nature of history is the shifting nature of historical interpretation. As historians bring new perspectives and theoretical frameworks to the study of the past, they may reinterpret existing sources in new ways, leading to new understandings of historical events and trends. For example, recent evidence has revealed the extent of Soviet involvement in the WWII and the role that Stalin played in shaping the outcome of the conflict. Finally, the changing nature of history can also be influenced by shifts in societal values and priorities. As society changes, so too do the questions that historians ask of the past and how they interpret and understand it. For example, recent research has revealed the significant role that African Americans and women played in the American Revolution, challenging the traditional narrative of the revolution as a primarily white, male-led event.
Overall, the changing nature of history is a testament to the ongoing process of historical inquiry and the human desire to understand the past better.
History is always changing because new information and perspectives are constantly being discovered and added to our understanding of the past. Our knowledge of history can change as we learn more about the past through discovering new sources and reinterpreting existing ones. Several factors contribute to the changing nature of history. One is the availability of new sources. As historians uncover new primary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and other materials, they can add further information and perspectives to our understanding of the past. This can sometimes lead to a reinterpretation of previously accepted historical narratives. For example, recent research has revealed that the ancient Maya civilization was much more sophisticated and technologically advanced than previously thought.
Another factor contributing to the changing nature of history is the shifting nature of historical interpretation. As historians bring new perspectives and theoretical frameworks to the study of the past, they may reinterpret existing sources in new ways, leading to new understandings of historical events and trends. For example, recent evidence has revealed the extent of Soviet involvement in the WWII and the role that Stalin played in shaping the outcome of the conflict. Finally, the changing nature of history can also be influenced by shifts in societal values and priorities. As society changes, so too do the questions that historians ask of the past and how they interpret and understand it. For example, recent research has revealed the significant role that African Americans and women played in the American Revolution, challenging the traditional narrative of the revolution as a primarily white, male-led event.
Overall, the changing nature of history is a testament to the ongoing process of historical inquiry and the human desire to understand the past better.
STATE OF THE UNION
HIGHLIGHTS
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READING
Carnes, Chapter 20: From Smoke-filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfires 1877-1896
Carnes, Chapter 20: From Smoke-filled Rooms to Prairie Wildfires 1877-1896
Howard Zinn was a historian, writer, and political activist known for his critical analysis of American history. He is particularly well-known for his counter-narrative to traditional American history accounts and highlights marginalized groups' experiences and perspectives. Zinn's work is often associated with social history and is known for his Marxist and socialist views. Larry Schweikart is also a historian, but his work and perspective are often considered more conservative. Schweikart's work is often associated with military history, and he is known for his support of free-market economics and limited government. Overall, Zinn and Schweikart have different perspectives on various historical issues and events and may interpret historical events and phenomena differently. Occasionally, we will also look at Thaddeus Russell, a historian, author, and academic. Russell has written extensively on the history of social and cultural change, and his work focuses on how marginalized and oppressed groups have challenged and transformed mainstream culture. Russell is known for his unconventional and controversial ideas, and his work has been praised for its originality and provocative nature.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
My classes utilize both Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Larry Schweikart's Patriot's History of the United States, mostly in excerpts posted to the modules. You can access the full text of People's History or Patriot's History by clicking on the links.
Howard Zinn, A Peoples History of the United States
"...It was a time, as election times have often been in the United States, to consolidate the system after years of protest and rebellion. The black was being kept under control in the South. The Indian was being driven off the western plains for good; on a cold winter day in 1890, U.S. army soldiers attacked Indians camped at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, and killed three hundred men, women, and children. It was the climax to four hundred years of violence that began with Columbus, establishing that this continent belonged to white men. But only to certain white men, because it was clear by 1896 that the state stood ready to crush labor strikes, by the law if possible, by force if necessary. And where a threatening mass movement developed, the two-party system stood ready to send out one of its columns to surround that movement and drain it of vitality...
... The year of the massacre at Wounded Knee, 1890, it was officially declared by the Bureau of the Census that the internal frontier was closed. The profit system, with its natural tendency for expansion, had already begun to look overseas. The severe depression that began in 1893 strengthened an idea developing within the political and financial elite of the country: that overseas markets for American goods might relieve the problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war..."
"...It was a time, as election times have often been in the United States, to consolidate the system after years of protest and rebellion. The black was being kept under control in the South. The Indian was being driven off the western plains for good; on a cold winter day in 1890, U.S. army soldiers attacked Indians camped at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, and killed three hundred men, women, and children. It was the climax to four hundred years of violence that began with Columbus, establishing that this continent belonged to white men. But only to certain white men, because it was clear by 1896 that the state stood ready to crush labor strikes, by the law if possible, by force if necessary. And where a threatening mass movement developed, the two-party system stood ready to send out one of its columns to surround that movement and drain it of vitality...
... The year of the massacre at Wounded Knee, 1890, it was officially declared by the Bureau of the Census that the internal frontier was closed. The profit system, with its natural tendency for expansion, had already begun to look overseas. The severe depression that began in 1893 strengthened an idea developing within the political and financial elite of the country: that overseas markets for American goods might relieve the problem of underconsumption at home and prevent the economic crises that in the 1890s brought class war..."
Larry Schweikart, A Patriot's History of the United States
"...On December 29, 1890, troops bungled their attempt to disarm the Sioux at Wounded Knee, site of the Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. In subzero temperatures shooting broke out, although both white and Indian witnesses disagreed over who started the firing. Popularly viewed as a cold-blooded massacre—some 200 Sioux men, women, and children lay dead in the snow—the army lost 25 killed and 39 wounded. But it is certain that the Indians did not deliberately provoke a fight, since they could see they were surrounded by troops and artillery. Although Wounded Knee marked another dark episode in Indian-white relations, the government had already concluded that the reservation system was not working, leading to yet another direction in American Indian policy..."
"...On December 29, 1890, troops bungled their attempt to disarm the Sioux at Wounded Knee, site of the Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. In subzero temperatures shooting broke out, although both white and Indian witnesses disagreed over who started the firing. Popularly viewed as a cold-blooded massacre—some 200 Sioux men, women, and children lay dead in the snow—the army lost 25 killed and 39 wounded. But it is certain that the Indians did not deliberately provoke a fight, since they could see they were surrounded by troops and artillery. Although Wounded Knee marked another dark episode in Indian-white relations, the government had already concluded that the reservation system was not working, leading to yet another direction in American Indian policy..."
Thaddeus Russell, A Renegade History of the United States
"...So once in America, where they had the opportunity to create a perfect world, the Puritans set out to lock bodily movements to the rules of God. In 1635 John Cotton, one of the principal ministers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, declared that the new land should forbid 'lascivious dancing to wanton ditties, and amorous gestures and wanton dalliances . . . [which] would bear witness against as a great [fanning of sexual desire]? In that same year Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, saw in the dances of the Indians a near and dangerous temptation, 'for after once being in their Houses, and beholding what their worship was, I durst never be an eye witness . . . [lest] I should have been partaker of Satan's inventions and worships...'
...Early in their adventure, the Puritan pilgrims had to deal with what was perhaps the most renegade act in American history. In 1625 an Englishman named Thomas Morton organized a non-Puritan settlement, Merrymount, north of Plymouth at the present site of Quincy, Massachusetts. By many accounts, Merrymount was everything the Puritans feared. Whiskey and beer flowed freely, and whites and Indians cavorted, copulated, and danced wildly around a maypole, a Pagan invention that had become the symbol of fun and leisure in villages across England..."
"...So once in America, where they had the opportunity to create a perfect world, the Puritans set out to lock bodily movements to the rules of God. In 1635 John Cotton, one of the principal ministers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, declared that the new land should forbid 'lascivious dancing to wanton ditties, and amorous gestures and wanton dalliances . . . [which] would bear witness against as a great [fanning of sexual desire]? In that same year Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, saw in the dances of the Indians a near and dangerous temptation, 'for after once being in their Houses, and beholding what their worship was, I durst never be an eye witness . . . [lest] I should have been partaker of Satan's inventions and worships...'
...Early in their adventure, the Puritan pilgrims had to deal with what was perhaps the most renegade act in American history. In 1625 an Englishman named Thomas Morton organized a non-Puritan settlement, Merrymount, north of Plymouth at the present site of Quincy, Massachusetts. By many accounts, Merrymount was everything the Puritans feared. Whiskey and beer flowed freely, and whites and Indians cavorted, copulated, and danced wildly around a maypole, a Pagan invention that had become the symbol of fun and leisure in villages across England..."
What Does Professor Lancaster Think?
The Puritans in early America believed that following the rules of God and abstaining from sinful behaviors, including lascivious dancing and romantic gestures, was necessary. In 1635, John Cotton, a minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, called for the prohibition of these activities. Similarly, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, believed that the dances of Native Americans were a temptation and a form of worship of Satan. In contrast, Thomas Morton, an Englishman, founded the settlement of Merrymount in 1625, known for its free-flowing alcohol and celebrations that included dancing and sexual activity between whites and Native Americans. The Puritans viewed these activities as a threat to their strict moral code.
In the 1600s, Native Americans and Europeans often had limited interaction and were not always in direct conflict. However, as European colonies expanded and the demand for land grew, disputes between Native Americans and Europeans increased. Native Americans were often forced off their land, and many were killed.
In the 19th century, the treatment of Native Americans was shaped by several policies implemented by the U.S. government, including the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States and move to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This policy, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans. In addition, Native Americans were often placed on reservations, usually located in areas with poor soil and resources, and were subjected to federal control and oversight.
During the 1890s, the United States government consolidated its power and suppressed protests and rebellions. This included the suppression of black people in the South and the forced removal of Native Americans from the western plains. In 1890, the U.S. army attacked a Native American camp at Wounded Knee, which resulted in many deaths. The government was also willing to use force to suppress labor strikes and mass movements threatening the existing order. In 1896, the Bureau of the Census officially declared that the "internal frontier" was closed, and the profit system began to look overseas for expansion opportunities. The economic depression of 1893 also led some political and financial elite members to believe that overseas markets could help alleviate underconsumption and prevent economic crises that could lead to class conflict. On December 29, 1890, a confrontation between troops and the Sioux at Wounded Knee resulted in a massacre, with 200 Sioux men, women, and children and 25 soldiers killed and 39 wounded. There is disagreement over who started the shooting, but it is clear that the Sioux did not provoke the fight as troops and artillery surrounded them. The government's failure to effectively manage the reservation system led to a change in policy towards Native Americans.
The Puritans in early America believed that following the rules of God and abstaining from sinful behaviors, including lascivious dancing and romantic gestures, was necessary. In 1635, John Cotton, a minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, called for the prohibition of these activities. Similarly, Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, believed that the dances of Native Americans were a temptation and a form of worship of Satan. In contrast, Thomas Morton, an Englishman, founded the settlement of Merrymount in 1625, known for its free-flowing alcohol and celebrations that included dancing and sexual activity between whites and Native Americans. The Puritans viewed these activities as a threat to their strict moral code.
In the 1600s, Native Americans and Europeans often had limited interaction and were not always in direct conflict. However, as European colonies expanded and the demand for land grew, disputes between Native Americans and Europeans increased. Native Americans were often forced off their land, and many were killed.
In the 19th century, the treatment of Native Americans was shaped by several policies implemented by the U.S. government, including the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced Native Americans to leave their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States and move to designated Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. This policy, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans. In addition, Native Americans were often placed on reservations, usually located in areas with poor soil and resources, and were subjected to federal control and oversight.
During the 1890s, the United States government consolidated its power and suppressed protests and rebellions. This included the suppression of black people in the South and the forced removal of Native Americans from the western plains. In 1890, the U.S. army attacked a Native American camp at Wounded Knee, which resulted in many deaths. The government was also willing to use force to suppress labor strikes and mass movements threatening the existing order. In 1896, the Bureau of the Census officially declared that the "internal frontier" was closed, and the profit system began to look overseas for expansion opportunities. The economic depression of 1893 also led some political and financial elite members to believe that overseas markets could help alleviate underconsumption and prevent economic crises that could lead to class conflict. On December 29, 1890, a confrontation between troops and the Sioux at Wounded Knee resulted in a massacre, with 200 Sioux men, women, and children and 25 soldiers killed and 39 wounded. There is disagreement over who started the shooting, but it is clear that the Sioux did not provoke the fight as troops and artillery surrounded them. The government's failure to effectively manage the reservation system led to a change in policy towards Native Americans.
The USS Maine explodes in Cuba's Havana Harbor
KEY TERMS
ASSIGNMENTS
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #3
- 1889 The Johnstown Flood
- 1890- Fashion
- 1890 “Yellow Peril”
- 1890 Toilet paper
- 1890 - Sherman Antitrust Act
- 1890 - Wounded Knee Massacre
- 1891 - Basketball invented
- 1892 Ida B. Wells
- 1892 Columbus Day
- 1893 - Panic of 1893
- 1893 Hawaii Is Occupied
- 1894 Labor Day
- 1894 Coxey's Army
- 1895- The Yellow Kid
- 1895 Volleyball
- 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson
- 1896 - Hawaii annexed
- 1897 First Boston marathon
- 1898 The Wilmington Coup
- USS Maine
- 1898 Spanish-American War
- 1898 The first dental floss
ASSIGNMENTS
- Forum Discussion #3
Remember all assignments, tests and quizzes must be submitted official via BLACKBOARD
Forum Discussion #3
Yohuru Williams is a historian, author, and educator specializing in African American history and civil rights. He is the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. He has written several books on topics such as the Black Panther Party, the Civil Rights Movement, and racial segregation in the United States. Williams is known for his work on the history of racial justice and has often been interviewed by media outlets as an expert on these topics.
Watch the video and answer the following question:
Watch the video and answer the following question:
What were the main arguments made by both sides in the Plessy v. Ferguson case, and how did the Supreme Court ultimately rule on the constitutionality of "separate but equal" segregation laws? Do you believe the Court's decision was fair or misguided, and how has the legacy of this case impacted racial segregation and discrimination in the United States?
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
Need help? Remember the Discussion Board Rubric.
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO
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