In the late 1800s how did American Indians portray resiliency in the in the midst of oppression?

Answer 1

"In the late 1800s how did American Indians portray resiliency in the midst of oppression?"

What an interesting question. To the person who submitted this question...let me begin with saying, one has to consider a number of concepts and facts in understanding the answer/reply to this particular question. Here are just a few of them, then I'll proceed to explain why these concepts/facts, contribute to explaining the answer.

1. As there were a multitude of diverse indigenous communities, referred to as 'tribes' in the 1800's, in what would eventually become the US as we know it today, subsequently there were numerous diverse efforts of indigenous communities that acted to demonstrate their human right to existence, self-determination, and sovereignty.
2. Some of these diverse indigenous communities had already had experience of colonization, forced religious conversion, the feudal system, slavery, genocide, and biological warfare, as a result of European incursion into their homelands, some at least 200 years before the US became the US. As a result, some groups, 'tribes', in particular the 'Pueblo' peoples of the Southwest has some level of recognition of their sovereignty and self-determination, by a European sovereign, mainly Spain, and in doing so already some some recognized land ownership designations.
3. Although many indigenous groups, 'tribes' may have made 'treaties' with the US government, many settlers, miners, and others ignored those legal documents 'treaties' and encroached on 'Indian lands' which certainly resulted in many people being killed. However, as states, territorial agents, and the military did not accept the treaties as valid and legal, the military was called in to further deny the rights of Native Americans and protect settlers who were encroaching on Indian lands.
4. In the late 1800's the US government instituted the 'Indian School' programs, to acculturate, force assimilate Native children, by forcefully removing them from their homes in efforts to make them 'Americans' and destroy their culture.
5. And lastly, certain segments of American society, at different levels were becoming more aware of the genocide, ethnic-cleansing, and acculturation policies of the US government and pressure was placed on addressing these issues. There were several aspects of this sensitivity, such as Protestant denominations sought to increase the spread of the Protestant faith to those areas which were predominately Catholic: civil groups were become more aware of the atrocities carried out in the name of the US against Native Americans, and US government leadership began to respond to public pressure and have the paternalistic attitude of the 'noble savage' which then and today is extremely racist.

So, with this facts, here are some concepts to considering in response to your question.

As indigenous communities, 'tribes' were reacting to the encroachment and theft of their homelands, as well as the murdering of their citizens, reacting to preserve their way of life, their own existence, and survival, acts range from early examples of civil disobedience to outright violence.

On the eastern seaboard, since most of the indigenous having long since been dispersed and fairly acculturated. In doing so, there were less (relatively speaking) encroachment issues, reclaiming land and rights. This is why there are very few Native reservations or communities on the eastern seaboard as compared to the western part of the US.

This also applies to some degree to the Southeast section of the US. Although many tribes had had a long history of interaction and inclusion of Black within their communities, many African Americans were having a connection to Native tribes and consider tribal members.

In the West, land which was perceived as open and 'unused', 'undeveloped', and 'un-inhabitated' only because Native Americans were not accepted as 'human' and/or 'civil'. These tribes were under threat and did use violence, aggression, and warfare against the government and settlers. Best exemplified by tribes in the Midwest and California.

As for the Southwest, tribes predominantly, the Pueblo were having issues mostly from Mexican settlers, as Spanish influence was in gradual decline and Mexican and to a lesser degree, Texas rebels/segregationists, encroaching upon their land and water rights.

All these tribes were responding to the treat to their very existence. To ensure their survival and resilience, most were pushed against the wall and responded in kind, with violence. As they were not accepted/embraced as US citizens, Native Americans had no legal recourse to defend their rights and protect what they had centuries, if not for a millennia, against colonization, genocide, and the treat of extermination.

I hope this offers some help.

Connect back with me if you need further assistance.