Long Walk

Definition

The Long Walk refers to the forced relocation of the Navajo people in 1864, when they were marched over 300 miles from their homeland in Arizona to a desolate area called Bosque Redondo in New Mexico. This event is significant as it highlights the impact of colonization and the struggle for survival among Native American communities while also affecting their social structure, economy, and resistance movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Long Walk resulted in the death of hundreds of Navajo people due to starvation, exposure, and illness during the harsh journey.
2. This forced relocation was part of a broader U.S. policy aimed at controlling Native American populations and assimilating them into American society.
3. The Navajo people viewed the Long Walk as a profound tragedy, which has shaped their cultural memory and identity for generations.
4. The journey took place under the orders of military leaders who sought to suppress Navajo resistance to U.S. expansion in the Southwest.
5. After their return, the Navajo signed a treaty that acknowledged their sovereignty, allowing them to reclaim parts of their ancestral lands.

Review Questions

• How did the Long Walk affect the social structure of the Navajo people?
  • The Long Walk had a devastating impact on the social structure of the Navajo people as it disrupted traditional governance and family units. During this forced march, many families were separated, leading to a loss of social cohesion. Additionally, the trauma experienced during this event influenced later generations, as they had to rebuild their communities and redefine their roles within a society that had been fundamentally altered by colonization.
• Discuss how the Long Walk illustrates broader themes of colonization and resistance in Native American history.
  • The Long Walk exemplifies the harsh realities of colonization faced by Native Americans, where government policies led to forced removals from ancestral lands. It also highlights the resilience and resistance of Native communities against these oppressive measures. The event underscores a critical period in history where Indigenous groups struggled not only for survival but also for recognition and rights against an expanding U.S. government intent on assimilation.
• Evaluate the significance of the Navajo Treaty of 1868 in relation to the Long Walk and its aftermath.
  • The Navajo Treaty of 1868 was a pivotal moment following the Long Walk, as it formally recognized the rights and sovereignty of the Navajo people after their forced relocation. This treaty allowed them to return to a portion of their ancestral lands, which played a crucial role in restoring some aspects of their cultural identity. It also marked a shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, reflecting growing awareness and pressure regarding their treatment. The treaty established a legal framework for future relations between the U.S. government and Navajo Nation, influencing land rights and governance structures that still resonate today.

Related terms

Bosque Redondo: The site where the Navajo were forced to relocate during the Long Walk, characterized by poor living conditions and insufficient resources.

Navajo Treaty of 1868: The agreement that ended the Long Walk and allowed the Navajo people to return to a portion of their homeland, recognizing their rights and sovereignty.

Cultural Resilience: The ability of the Navajo people to adapt and maintain their cultural identity despite external pressures, such as colonization and forced relocation.