This inquiry explores conflict in North Dakota and on the northern Great Plains between Native and non-Native nations as tribes were pushed out of their traditional homelands when Europeans and Americans moved onto the plains. This topic is introduced through the investigation of the compelling question “how did people’s perceptions of the Great Plains change after the Civil War?” The importance of understanding the conflict in this context is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand the intense pressure and tension between Native Americans and the United States to maintain control over the Great Plains and (2) students will benefit from understanding the role the military played in expanding the railroads west.
The terms “Native Americans” and “Native peoples” are used in this inquiry. The terms “American Indians” and “Indians” are used in much of the scholarly literature. In this inquiry, precise tribal names will be used when they are known.
This inquiry is expected to take four class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.
- Railroad Map Set
- Several Historic Sites are military forts
- Gardens at Frontier Military Posts Document Set
Understand: Identify native plants in your region that are traditional sources of food and medicine.
Assess: Determine places where native plants can be found and take a field trip or hike to those areas. Have students bring pens and paper to do a nature journaling exercise.
Act: Using the natural journal exercise and additional research you conducted, create a poster or website to share your work. Present the project to your community during a history fair.