Historical Events tagged with "native americans"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Luis R. Bruce Becomes Commissioner of BIA

August 7th, 1969 55 years ago

Luis R. Bruce, a prominent Native American leader, was appointed by President Richard Nixon as the new commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Bruce, who was of Mohawk-Oglala Sioux descent, co-founded the National Congress of American Indians and played a crucial role in advocating for Native American rights. His appointment marked a significant moment as it signified a shift in federal Indian policy focusing on self-determination for Native communities.

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Politics & Government

Calvin Coolidge Signs Indian Citizenship Act

June 2nd, 1924 100 years ago

The Indian Citizenship Act was signed into law by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, granting citizenship to all Native Americans born within the United States. This landmark legislation aimed to unify the citizenship status of Native Americans, previous laws treated them as non-citizens despite their residency on the land for centuries. The act represented a significant change in the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American populations, acknowledging their rights as citizens.

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Entertainment

Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley Filmed by Edison

November 1st, 1894 130 years ago

Buffalo Bill Cody, along with 15 Native American performers and sharpshooter Annie Oakley, was filmed in Thomas Edison's Black Maria Studio in West Orange, New Jersey. This filming highlighted iconic Wild West performances and showcased the talents of these legendary figures in American entertainment. It provided a glimpse into the thrilling world of the Wild West at a time when such spectacles captivated audiences across the nation.

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Politics & Government

Dawes Act Authorizes Tribal Land Division

February 8th, 1887 138 years ago

The Dawes Act was enacted to authorize the division of Native American tribal lands into individual allotments. This legislative effort aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting parcels of land to individuals rather than allowing communal tribal ownership. The process was intended to encourage farming and property ownership amongst Indigenous people. It marked a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Native American tribes, reflecting broader goals of assimilation and land acquisition strategies.

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Military & Warfare

Chief Crazy Horse Surrenders in Nebraska

May 6th, 1877 147 years ago

Chief Crazy Horse of the Oglala Lakota surrendered to United States Army troops in Nebraska after years of conflict. This surrender marked a significant turning point in the Great Sioux War, reflecting the complexities of Native American resistance during this period. With his surrender, Crazy Horse aimed to secure peace for his people while navigating the treacherous political landscape of broken treaties and U.S. expansion. This moment was pivotal in reshaping the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

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Military & Warfare

Crazy Horse's Last Stand at Wolf Mountain

January 8th, 1877 148 years ago

The last battle of Crazy Horse and his warriors occurred at Wolf Mountain against the United States Cavalry. This confrontation, characterized by its fierce intensity, marked a climax in the conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. forces. Crazy Horse, a prominent leader of the Lakota Sioux, sought to protect his people's way of life amid increasing encroachment by settlers and the U.S. government. Despite their valiant efforts, the warriors faced overwhelming odds, showcasing the determination and bravery of Native defenders in their struggle for survival.

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Military & Warfare

Custer's Last Stand at Little Bighorn

June 25th, 1876 148 years ago

In a pivotal clash of the American Indian Wars, 300 men of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, faced a fierce resistance from approximately 5,000 Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. The battle took place along the banks of the Little Bighorn River in Montana. Custer's forces engaged the Native American coalition, which was led by prominent leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The outcome resulted in a decisive defeat for Custer’s regiment, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Cavalrymen Kill 173 Native Americans

January 23rd, 1870 155 years ago

In Montana, U.S. cavalrymen engaged in a massacre against a group of Blackfeet Indians, resulting in the deaths of 173 individuals, predominantly women and children. This violent encounter arose from tensions following the Blackfeet's non-compliance with government policies and was marked by the U.S. Army’s aggressive tactics. The event exemplifies the severe conflicts of the period and highlights the dire consequences of the expansionist policies of the United States.

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Military & Warfare

Custer's Attack at Washita River

November 27th, 1868 156 years ago

United States Army Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led a surprise attack against Cheyenne encampments along the Washita River in Oklahoma. The attack targeted Cheyenne who were living on reservation land, as part of the U.S. government's strategy to subdue Native American resistance. Custer’s troops overwhelmed the Cheyenne, resulting in a significant loss of life and property for the Native Americans.

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