Finding a Native American voice: from Code Talkers to the mouse that roared

Aims

This course aims to: 

• provide knowledge of the conflict between Native Americans and White Americans during the 20th century
   
• demonstrate the challenges facing Native Americans in the 20th century
   
• explain the need and understanding of Native rights and their actions in the 20th century

Content

Since the arrival of Columbus in 1492 the Interaction between Native Americans and Euro-Americans has switched between peaceful trade and exchange to warfare, but one constant was the belief that Native Americans were an inferior group who did not use the land ‘correctly' . This has led to the stripping of over 95 per cent of their historic land base and the decimation of their populations from tens of millions to a low of 200,000 in the early 20th century.

The push to drive Native Americans onto smaller areas was accompanied by an attempt to ‘civilize’ them. Seen clearly in the push to move native children away from their community and into boarding schools, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. Within these schools, white Americans planned to ‘Kill the Indian in him and save the man’. Despite these pressures Native Americans have maintained their varied cultures and remain a vibrant part of American society. From Opechancanough of the Powhatans through Chief Joesph of the Nimipuu (Nez Perce) to the present-day Native Americans have fought to maintain their identities.

The course begins at World War Two, during which Native Americans provided a higher percentage of their population than any other group. Today, although not at the time, the most well-known group are the Navajo code talkers. The War also expanded interaction of Native Americans and mainstream America, in integrated units in the armed forces and also more broadly. The politicians in Washington DC belatedly recognised the changes and demands of Native Americans and the Indian Self-Determination Act was passed. we will look at Native American Activism during the 1960s and 1970s. The most well-known group during this time was American Indian Movement (AIM) and the Kootenai war of 1974.

Presentation of the course 

The course will be taught by PowerPoint presentation, including a wide range of audio-visual sources with time for discussion and debate.

Course sessions

1. Native Americans in World War Two 
   You will learn the role of Native Americans in World War Two particularly the Navajo Code Talkers.
    
2. From Alcatraz to Plymouth Rock 
   You will be introduced to the various Indian civil rights groups of the mid-20th century.
    
3. Government response 
   The creation of the Indian Self Determination Act.
    
4. Wounded Knee II 
   You will learn about the 71-day takeover of the village of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, in 1973. 
    
5. Kootenai War of 1974 
   The challenge of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho to the US Government.

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• to understand the conflict between Native Americans and White America over identity
   
• to understand the specific challenges facing Native Americans in the mid-20th century
   
• to gain an understanding of Native right groups and their actions in the mid-20th century

Required reading

There are no compulsory readings for this course. 

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.