key term - Ghost dance

Definition

The ghost dance is a spiritual movement among Native American tribes that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by a ceremonial dance believed to bring about a restoration of traditional ways of life and the return of deceased ancestors. This movement reflected a desire for renewal and resistance against the loss of Indigenous identity and culture amid European colonization and oppression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ghost dance was popularized in the late 1880s and early 1890s among various Native American tribes, especially the Lakota Sioux, as a form of resistance against colonial oppression.
2. Participants believed that performing the ghost dance would help reunite them with deceased loved ones and restore their lands and way of life.
3. The U.S. government viewed the ghost dance as a threat, leading to increased military presence and ultimately contributing to events like the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.
4. Wovoka's teachings emphasized peace, urging followers to embrace non-violence while seeking spiritual revival through communal dancing.
5. The ghost dance movement is seen as a pivotal moment in Native American history, representing both cultural resilience and the tragic consequences of colonialism.

Review Questions

• What role did Wovoka play in the ghost dance movement and how did his teachings influence its spread among Native American tribes?
  • Wovoka, a Paiute prophet, played a central role in the ghost dance movement by promoting the belief that through dancing, Native Americans could reunite with deceased ancestors and restore their lands. His teachings encouraged followers to adopt a peaceful approach while seeking spiritual revival, which resonated deeply with many tribes facing oppression. Wovoka's message inspired widespread participation in the ghost dance, especially among tribes like the Lakota Sioux, ultimately transforming it into a significant cultural phenomenon.
• Analyze how the U.S. government's response to the ghost dance movement reflected broader attitudes towards Native American practices and sovereignty during this period.
  • The U.S. government's response to the ghost dance movement showcased a deep-seated mistrust and fear of Indigenous practices. Viewing the movement as a potential uprising, authorities took aggressive measures to suppress it, leading to increased military intervention. This reflects a broader pattern of colonial attitudes that sought to eradicate Indigenous cultures and assert control over Native sovereignty, demonstrating how fear of resistance often resulted in violent confrontations like the Wounded Knee Massacre.
• Evaluate the significance of the ghost dance as a symbol of Indigenous resistance and cultural revival in the context of late 19th-century America.
  • The ghost dance emerged as a powerful symbol of Indigenous resistance and cultural revival during a time when Native Americans were facing severe oppression from colonial forces. It represented not only a yearning for spiritual connection but also an assertion of identity amidst attempts at erasure. The movement highlighted the resilience of Indigenous peoples in seeking autonomy over their cultural practices while navigating a landscape marked by displacement and violence. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation that continues today.

Related terms

Wovoka: A Paiute prophet who promoted the ghost dance in the late 1800s, claiming that it would lead to a resurgence of Native American culture and bring peace and harmony.

Lakota Sioux: A Native American tribe heavily involved in the ghost dance movement, which sought to unify Indigenous people and revive traditional practices in response to oppression.

Reservation System: The government policy that forced Native Americans onto designated lands, often resulting in loss of their traditional lifestyle, which fueled movements like the ghost dance.