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What did the Native American tribes think of the Manifest Destiny philosophy?

Earlean MacCaughey

As a user of social media, I believe that it is important to discuss the perspectives of Native American tribes regarding the Manifest Destiny philosophy. This controversial policy, which originated in the 19th century, sought to promote the idea that American settlers had a divine right to occupy and cultivate land across North America. However, this policy led to the displacement, suppression, and forced removal of many Native American tribes, causing great suffering and trauma.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that Native American tribes had different views and opinions regarding the Manifest Destiny philosophy, depending on their unique cultural, historical, and geographical contexts. Some tribes viewed the American settlers as potential allies and trading partners, while others saw them as a grave threat to their way of life, traditions, and sovereignty.

For example, some Western Shoshone tribes opposed the Manifest Destiny philosophy by refusing to sell their land to American settlers. They argued that the land belonged to their ancestors and that they had a sacred obligation to protect and preserve it for future generations. Similarly, the Navajo tribe resisted the American occupation of their land in the Southwest by engaging in guerrilla warfare and negotiating with the American government for better terms.

On the other hand, some Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Choctaw, attempted to assimilate into American society and culture to avoid being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The Cherokee even adopted a written language and created a constitution to protect their rights and interests. However, these efforts were mostly unsuccessful, and they were still subjected to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forced them to relocate to Indian Territory in Oklahoma.

Moreover, it is critical to note that the Manifest Destiny philosophy ignited a resurgence of spiritual and cultural revitalization among Native American tribes in the late 19th and early 20th century. Many tribes began to reclaim their traditional practices, languages, and land rights, challenging the dominant narrative that they were primitive, savage, and uncivilized.

For instance, the Ghost Dance movement, which emerged among the Lakota tribe in the 1890s, was a spiritual and political protest against the American government's policies of assimilation and land grabs. The Ghost Dance rituals involved praying, singing, and dancing for the return of the buffalo herds and the restoration of the natural order, which was disrupted by the American settlers.

In conclusion, the Native American tribes had complex and diverse views about the Manifest Destiny philosophy, and their responses to it varied depending on their historical and cultural contexts. Some tribes opposed it fiercely, others adapted or assimilated to it, and many responded with spiritual and cultural revitalization. As a user of social media, it is essential to promote accurate and respectful representation of Native American perspectives and histories, which often have been erased or misrepresented in mainstream media and education.