Oral Presentations
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Bradley Roscoe
Faculty Mentor’s Department
History
Abstract / Artist's Statement
Jacksonian Indian removal through the lens of Native tribes in Montana and Wyoming from 1830-1890
Following thorough thought and analysis, I have chosen to focus my area of study on two separate and distinct areas of American history; areas that share a lot more in common than one might initially expect. The focus of this presentation is to compare and analyze the Jacksonian Era Indian removal, primarily comparing the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to the removal of Native Americans during the 1870’s through the 1890’s in the Rocky Mountain region, with specific emphasis on Montana and Wyoming. I have chosen to research this particular topic because both of these periods in American history are rather complex, with fascinating stories in both respective eras. Furthermore, I would like to educate my readers as to why these actions took place and clear up many of the misconceptions that the vast majority of Americans hold about this period. One such misconception is that Native removal, particularly in Montana, was a violent affair, as significant portions of my research have proven otherwise.
The bulk of my research originates from primary sources, primarily newspapers from the 1870’s and 1880’s. I have prioritized including both sides of the story regarding events. To do this I've attempted to only use sources local to the area that I’m studying. Such an example is my heavy use of the Helena Independent newspaper from Helena, Montana. In addition to the use of primary sources, secondary sources are being used to further demonstrate and provide examples of my argument. Examples of these sources are Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee as well as Claudio Saunt's Unworthy Republic.
The key reason that I've chosen to write on this topic is that there is very little comparative literature between these two eras in American history, even though they have significant similarities. Furthermore, I want readers to be able to draw these connections that are all so common in history.
Category
Humanities
Jacksonian Indian removal through the lens of Native tribes in Montana and Wyoming from 1830-1890
UC 327
Jacksonian Indian removal through the lens of Native tribes in Montana and Wyoming from 1830-1890
Following thorough thought and analysis, I have chosen to focus my area of study on two separate and distinct areas of American history; areas that share a lot more in common than one might initially expect. The focus of this presentation is to compare and analyze the Jacksonian Era Indian removal, primarily comparing the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to the removal of Native Americans during the 1870’s through the 1890’s in the Rocky Mountain region, with specific emphasis on Montana and Wyoming. I have chosen to research this particular topic because both of these periods in American history are rather complex, with fascinating stories in both respective eras. Furthermore, I would like to educate my readers as to why these actions took place and clear up many of the misconceptions that the vast majority of Americans hold about this period. One such misconception is that Native removal, particularly in Montana, was a violent affair, as significant portions of my research have proven otherwise.
The bulk of my research originates from primary sources, primarily newspapers from the 1870’s and 1880’s. I have prioritized including both sides of the story regarding events. To do this I've attempted to only use sources local to the area that I’m studying. Such an example is my heavy use of the Helena Independent newspaper from Helena, Montana. In addition to the use of primary sources, secondary sources are being used to further demonstrate and provide examples of my argument. Examples of these sources are Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee as well as Claudio Saunt's Unworthy Republic.
The key reason that I've chosen to write on this topic is that there is very little comparative literature between these two eras in American history, even though they have significant similarities. Furthermore, I want readers to be able to draw these connections that are all so common in history.