Ghost dance

Definition

The ghost dance is a spiritual movement among Native American tribes that emerged in the late 19th century, particularly among the Plains Indians. It was characterized by a religious dance aimed at restoring deceased ancestors and bringing about a return to traditional ways of life, as well as the hope for peace and harmony in the face of colonization and oppression. The movement is often linked to a broader context of Native American resistance to U.S. government policies and cultural assimilation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ghost dance was first introduced in 1889 by Wovoka, who claimed to have had a vision that foretold a peaceful resolution for Native Americans through this spiritual practice.
2. The movement quickly spread among various tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, who saw it as a way to reclaim their lost culture and resist oppression.
3. The ghost dance culminated in tragic events, such as the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, where hundreds of Lakota were killed by U.S. troops, highlighting the fears of white settlers regarding the movement.
4. Participants in the ghost dance believed that through their rituals, they could communicate with their ancestors and bring about a future free from colonial oppression.
5. The U.S. government viewed the ghost dance with suspicion and fear, leading to increased military presence and ultimately violent confrontations with Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the ghost dance movement reflect the cultural struggles faced by Native American tribes during the late 19th century?
  • The ghost dance movement was a direct response to the cultural upheaval and oppression experienced by Native American tribes during this time. It represented a yearning to reconnect with ancestral traditions and restore their ways of life in the face of colonial pressures. By participating in the ghost dance, tribes sought not only spiritual rejuvenation but also collective empowerment against U.S. policies that aimed to erase their cultures.
• Discuss the implications of the ghost dance movement on U.S. government relations with Native American tribes during this period.
  • The ghost dance movement significantly strained relations between Native American tribes and the U.S. government. Authorities perceived it as a threat to social order and stability, leading to heightened military interventions. The resulting confrontations, particularly at Wounded Knee, underscored the government's commitment to suppressing any form of resistance from Native communities, reinforcing a cycle of violence and repression.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the ghost dance movement on Native American identity and resistance movements in subsequent years.
  • The ghost dance movement had a lasting impact on Native American identity, serving as a symbol of resilience and spiritual strength against colonial oppression. In later years, it inspired other resistance movements, highlighting a continuous struggle for cultural survival and sovereignty. The legacy of the ghost dance can be seen in modern activism that seeks to reclaim indigenous rights, revitalizing traditions while confronting ongoing challenges posed by settler colonialism.

Related terms

Wovoka: A Paiute prophet who is credited with founding the ghost dance movement, claiming to have received a vision from God that inspired the dance as a means of bringing peace and healing to Native peoples.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers and military forces during the 19th century, driven by territorial expansion and differing views on land ownership.

Lakota Sioux: A Native American tribe that played a significant role in the ghost dance movement, especially during events like the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.