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S.G. Colley's report on the 1865 Sand Creek Massacre
Brought to you via the Smithsonian, "This excerpt is from a report written by Major S.G. Colley, U.S. Indian agent, as part of the congressional investigation into the Sand Creek Massacre. On November 29, 1864, U.S. forces led by John M. Chivington attacked a camp of friendly Cheyenne and Arapahos, and slaughtered hundreds of men, women, and children. Public outrage over the brutal event led to a congressional and military investigation and a condemnation of the massacre." This would be an excellent source for examining the moral problem of westward expansion. It goes deeper than a simplistic characterization of all Native Americans as victims and all American Settlers as intolerant murderers, and shows that there was outcry over the treatment of Indians even in 1865 - provoking a Congressional Investigation. Analyzing it would be a great jumping off point for a debate. Click on title for the link.
Refusal of the Chickasaws and Choctaws to cede their lands 1826
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From Yale University's Avalon Project, this is a rather extensive (read: lots of scrolling) compilation of letters sent to the US government by its agents in Mississippi detailing the refusal of the southern tribes to cede their lands to the US in negotiations in 1826. Any one of them would be useful in class, perhaps as helping promote understanding for the beliefs and thoughts of the United States in relation to the Native American Nations. Could be useful for elementary to high school age groups. Click on title for the link.
Cherokee Nation vs. State of Georgia 1831
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This transcription of the 1831 Supreme Court verdict denying the Cherokee Nation the right to petition in the Supreme Court as a foreign state. An effective explanation of the American government's view of Native American tribes in the early 19th century. If used along with an effective Analysis worksheet or activity, this document could prove useful in understanding the American government's decision. With proper scaffolding, this document could be used for all levels. Click on title for the link.
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"Westward the Course of Empire takes its Way" 1861
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The official Capitol Campus Art site for the 1861 mural by Emanuel Leutze depicting Manifest Destiny and the dream of westward expansion. Along with a detailed, downloadable, high-resolution image of the mural, there is a helpful background not only on Leutze but on a few of the influences in the painting during the 1860s. This would be an ideal addition to any study of the concept of Manifest Destiny. If accompanied by an appropriate Photo Analysis worksheet, would it appropriate for grades 6-12. Click on title for the link.
"American Progress" 1872
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A link to the Library of Congress digital file for John Gast's 1872 painting of Lady Liberty leading Americans westward. It would be a wonderful study of the American viewpoint of westward expansion and Manifest Destiny. could be especially impactful if paired with a Native American viewpoint of the same period, prompting a debate or lively discussion. Would work well with a Photo Analysis worksheet. Click on the title for link.