The Settling of the Frontier
Discussion post 1
What alternatives were there to America’s policy regarding the treatment of the Plains Indians? EXPLAIN.
The approach used by the Americans to address the issue of land owned by Plains Indians was completely wrong. The Americans should have accepted the Plains Indians in the sharing of land rather than grabbing over ninety million acres from Plain Indians. Besides, America should have assimilated the Plain Indians as recommended by the Dawes Act of 1887 rather than selling the land owned by the Plains Indians to non-native Americans. Moreover, America should have formulated a policy to allow Plain Indians to form their own government that would assist them in protecting the tribal land. In that regard, America should have abolished the allotment of land to allow Plains Indians to settle in the tribal land rather than subjecting them to force assimilation. I also feel that every culture is essential in society and no one should undermine someone’s culture. Therefore, America should have established a policy to integrate the culture of Plains Indians into American society rather than destroying their heritage that claimed thousands of lives. The best approach that America should have incorporated was to work together with the Indians in food production and other economic activities rather than forcing them into reservations. Overall, the expansion of white settlers into the Indian tribal land should have been limited to the Indians willing to sell their land to non-native Americans.
Discussion Post 2
Was George A. Custer a hero? EXPLAIN.
George Armstrong Custer was among the American Army officers who controlled the events taking place in the American Indian and American Civil Wars. The death of George Armstrong Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn made him a tragic military hero because people believe he sacrificed his life for the sake of America. Nonetheless, I see George Armstrong Custer as a villain and not a hero as some people claim. One of his greatest mistakes a military man was making a fateful decision to attack a superior force comprising over 2,000 Lakota Sioux in Cheyenne, thereby leading to the loss of his military soldiers. It was too late by the time he realized his mistake because his soldiers were extremely worn out and the horses were also tired. He also refused to accept advice from others because he felt that his army was fully equipped. For example, before engaging the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Custer was provided with 180 more military men to reinforce his army but he rejected the offer. Later on, his army lost the battle and many died. Overall, he was not a hero because he believed he was always rights and could not listen to commanding officers and troops.