Ghost Dance Movement Apush Definition

The Ghost Dance Movement: A Deep Dive into Apush History

The Ghost Dance Movement, a significant Native American religious and political movement of the late 19th century, holds a powerful and tragic place in American history. Understanding its origins, beliefs, and ultimate suppression is crucial for grasping the complexities of late 19th-century Native American resistance and the enduring legacy of colonialism in the United States. This in-depth exploration will delve into the movement's definition within the context of APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History), analyzing its causes, key figures, rituals, and devastating consequences.

Introduction: A Prophecy of Renewal

The Ghost Dance, far from being a singular event, was a series of interconnected revitalization movements among various Native American tribes, primarily in the Great Plains and the Southwest, following the devastating impact of westward expansion. Fueled by profound loss, displacement, and the crushing weight of broken treaties, the Ghost Dance offered a potent message of hope and spiritual renewal. Its core belief centered around a prophecy of a coming apocalypse that would cleanse the land of white settlers and restore the traditional way of life for Native Americans. This prophecy, along with its associated rituals, became a powerful force of resistance, albeit one that ultimately ended in tragedy. The movement is a vital component of APUSH curriculum, highlighting the complex interplay of culture, religion, and government policy in shaping the history of the American West.

The Roots of the Ghost Dance: A Time of Despair

The late 19th century was a period of immense hardship for many Native American tribes. The relentless encroachment of white settlers, the destruction of the buffalo herds (a cornerstone of their economy and culture), and the forced relocation to reservations created widespread suffering and despair. The US government's assimilation policies, aimed at eradicating Native American cultures and integrating them into white society, further fueled this sense of loss. The Dawes Act of 1887, for example, attempted to break up tribal landholdings and distribute them to individual Native Americans, undermining traditional social structures and communal ownership.

This context of oppression and despair laid the groundwork for the emergence of the Ghost Dance. The movement offered a powerful alternative to the grim reality faced by many Native Americans, providing a sense of agency and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. It wasn't merely a religious movement; it was a powerful expression of resistance against the systematic destruction of their way of life.

Wovoka and the Origin of the Ghost Dance

The Ghost Dance movement’s origins are often traced to Wovoka (Jack Wilson), a Paiute shaman from Nevada. Around 1889, Wovoka claimed to have received a divine revelation during a solar eclipse. In his vision, he saw a future where the world would be cleansed of its evils, the buffalo would return, and Native Americans would once again live in peace and prosperity on their ancestral lands. This vision formed the foundation of the Ghost Dance religion.

Wovoka's teachings emphasized peace and non-violence. He advocated for a return to traditional spiritual practices and a rejection of the destructive ways of the white settlers. He insisted that the Ghost Dance rituals would bring about the prophesied renewal, not through warfare but through peaceful spiritual means. However, this peaceful message was misinterpreted and ultimately tragically transformed.

The Ghost Dance Rituals: A Symbol of Hope and Resistance

The core of the Ghost Dance consisted of a series of ritual dances and ceremonies designed to hasten the coming of the prophesied world. These dances involved participants moving in a circle, often holding hands, while singing and chanting. The movements were believed to invoke the spirits of the ancestors and connect them with the spiritual world. The Ghost Dance was not a monolithic entity; the specific rituals and practices varied slightly among different tribes, reflecting their unique cultural traditions and interpretations of Wovoka's message.

The most prominent ritual involved wearing ghost shirts, special shirts believed to be bulletproof. This belief, although ultimately unfounded, provided a sense of protection and resilience against the violence perpetrated by white settlers and the US Army. The ghost shirts served as both a symbol of faith and a tangible manifestation of hope. They underscore the psychological and emotional power of the Ghost Dance in the face of existential threats. The act of wearing the shirts became a powerful act of defiance, a silent protest against oppression.

The Spread of the Ghost Dance and Varying Interpretations:

Wovoka's message spread rapidly across the Great Plains and the Southwest through a network of tribal messengers and spiritual leaders. However, as the message travelled, it underwent transformations. Some tribes emphasized the peaceful aspects of Wovoka's vision, viewing the Ghost Dance as a primarily spiritual practice. Others, fueled by anger and desperation, interpreted the prophecy as a call to action, a signal to resist white domination through armed conflict. This divergence in interpretation would have significant consequences.

The Lakota Sioux, particularly under the influence of leaders like Sitting Bull and Big Foot, were among the tribes that interpreted the Ghost Dance as a prelude to armed resistance. They saw the prophecy as a divine mandate to fight for their survival and reclaim their stolen lands. This interpretation dramatically altered the peaceful nature of the movement, setting the stage for the tragic events at Wounded Knee.

The Wounded Knee Massacre: A Symbol of Broken Promises

The climax of the Ghost Dance Movement was the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. Following Sitting Bull's death, the US Army attempted to disarm the Lakota Sioux, leading to a tragic clash at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. Hundreds of unarmed Lakota men, women, and children were systematically slaughtered by the US Army, marking a horrific end to the Ghost Dance movement and representing one of the most brutal acts of violence against Native Americans in US history.

The massacre at Wounded Knee serves as a poignant symbol of the US government's brutal response to Native American resistance and the devastating consequences of cultural misunderstanding and the forceful imposition of colonial power. The event underscores the inherent conflict between the peaceful message of the original Ghost Dance and the violent reality of late 19th-century America.

The Aftermath and Legacy of the Ghost Dance

The Wounded Knee Massacre effectively extinguished the Ghost Dance Movement, but its legacy remains a potent symbol of Native American resilience and resistance. The event continues to be a source of trauma and remembrance for many Native American communities. The massacre highlights the devastating impact of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights. The Ghost Dance is not just a historical event; it is a lived experience.

The Ghost Dance Movement’s importance in APUSH extends beyond its immediate impact. It is used to analyze themes of:

• Native American resistance: The movement exemplifies the various ways Native Americans resisted assimilation and fought for their survival.
• Religious and cultural revitalization: The movement demonstrates the power of religion and cultural identity in providing hope and resistance during times of oppression.
• Government policy and its impact: The US government's policies of westward expansion and assimilation directly contributed to the conditions that gave rise to the Ghost Dance Movement.
• Intertribal relations: The movement shows how different tribes interacted and interpreted the same message in various ways.
• The consequences of conflict: The Wounded Knee Massacre underscores the devastating human cost of conflict and the complexities of intergroup relations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Was the Ghost Dance movement entirely peaceful? While Wovoka's original message emphasized peace and non-violence, interpretations of the prophecy varied among tribes. Some tribes viewed the Ghost Dance as a means of peaceful resistance, while others interpreted it as a call to arms.
• Why did the US government react so violently to the Ghost Dance? The US government viewed the Ghost Dance as a potential threat to their control of Native American populations and their expansionist policies in the West. The fear of widespread uprising led to a heavy-handed and brutal response.
• What is the significance of the ghost shirts? Ghost shirts were believed to be bulletproof, providing a sense of protection and bolstering the faith of Ghost Dance participants. They represent a mix of spiritual belief and practical resistance.
• How did the Ghost Dance movement impact Native American culture? The movement, despite its tragic end, reflected a powerful attempt to revitalize Native American spirituality and culture in the face of oppression. Its legacy continues to inform indigenous identities and perspectives.
• What is the lasting impact of Wounded Knee? The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a deeply significant and traumatic event in Native American history, symbolizing the brutality of colonial violence and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Remembrance

The Ghost Dance Movement serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of colonialism and the resilience of Native American cultures. While the movement's ultimate outcome was tragic, it represents a significant moment of resistance and spiritual renewal. Understanding its complexities – from Wovoka's peaceful vision to the violent climax at Wounded Knee – is crucial for appreciating the nuanced history of Native American relations with the United States and the enduring struggles for indigenous rights and cultural preservation. The Ghost Dance remains a potent symbol of hope, resistance, and the enduring spirit of a people facing immense adversity. Its study in APUSH provides a critical lens through which to examine the multifaceted impact of westward expansion and the enduring legacy of trauma and resilience within Native American communities. It is a story that deserves to be remembered, understood, and taught to future generations.