Lecture 2:
American Indian Cultures
This lecture deals with the origins of American Indians
and the diversity of Indian cultures in North America, with special attention
to native ways of life on the Great Plains.
It includes a general comparison between American Indian cultures and the
European cultures they encountered.
Outline of Lecture
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Introduction
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This lecture establishes the primacy of American Indians
in American history. In the course
of surveying Indian cultures in the regions of North America, it gives
particular consideration to those of the Great Plains.
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Diversity
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The Indians of North America were a diverse lot. What explains the great differences
among them? One explanation is
environmental influence. An
environmental determinist would argue that the differences between
Southwestern Pueblo cultures, Pacific Northwest
cultures, Moundbuilder cultures of the central regions, and Iroquois
cultures of the Northeast came from differences in environment and
resources.
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Perceptions of
Indians
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Certain categorical differences between Indians and
Europeans can be outlined, treating aspects ranging from religion to gender
roles. In addition, European
perceptions of Indians can be discerned—and perhaps should be
questioned. These include
perceptions of Indians as passive children of nature; as victims of the
fatal contact; and as a vanishing race.
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The Great
Plains
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Native cultures on the Great Plains
evolved through deep time with cultures of big game hunting, hunting and
gathering, and village farming. European
introduction of horses and commerce wrought profound cultural change in the
region. By late 19th century Plains Indians had been confined
on reservations—but remained stubbornly persistent in their tribal
identities.
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Assignments
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Tocqueville
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Chapter 12: “Unlimited Power
of the Majority in the United
States and Its Consequences.” In this chapter Tocqueville puts forward
his most famous and controversial concept, the "tyranny of the
majority." He applies this both to political life and to social
custom. This concept, tyranny of the majority, is basic to understanding
Tocqueville, so make sure you understand it. Listen in lecture for an
application of the concept to Indian-European relations.
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What is tyranny of the majority? Can you give an example?
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Comment on: "When I refuse to obey an unjust law, I
do not contest the right of the majority to command, but I simply appeal
from the sovereignty of the people to the sovereignty of mankind."
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Is there true freedom of thought in the United
States, a democracy?
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WWW
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American Indian Ways
of Life on the Great Plains, Prof. Isern’s page on the deep history of
native life in the region
National Park Service, Knife River Indian Villages—a
great example of the village farmer culture on the Great
Plains discussed in lecture
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HIST 103 Home Page
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