Military-style discipline

Definition

Military-style discipline refers to a strict system of rules and expectations that emphasizes order, obedience, and control, often mimicking the structured and hierarchical nature of military training. This approach was employed in various settings, particularly in boarding schools, where the goal was to instill a sense of conformity and authority among students, often at the expense of their individual cultural identities and personal freedoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Military-style discipline was a key component of the boarding school experience, intended to break down Native American cultural identities and replace them with Euro-American values.
2. Students were subjected to strict schedules that included early rising, regimented meal times, and prescribed activities that left little room for personal expression.
3. Punishments for disobedience often included physical reprimands, public humiliation, or isolation from peers, reinforcing the authority of school administrators.
4. The focus on military-style discipline was justified by the belief that it would 'civilize' Indigenous children and prepare them for life in a Euro-American society.
5. Many students resisted this form of discipline, leading to instances of rebellion and efforts to maintain their cultural practices despite harsh penalties.

Review Questions

• How did military-style discipline impact the daily routines of students in boarding schools?
  • Military-style discipline profoundly affected the daily routines of students by enforcing strict schedules that dictated every aspect of their day. Students were required to wake up early, attend classes, participate in chores, and follow rigorous meal times. This structure aimed to eliminate individuality and instill a sense of obedience through constant oversight and control, leaving little room for personal freedom or cultural expression.
• In what ways did military-style discipline contribute to the broader goal of assimilation within boarding schools?
  • Military-style discipline was integral to the broader goal of assimilation in boarding schools as it sought to transform Native American children into compliant members of Euro-American society. By enforcing rigid rules and expectations, these institutions aimed to eradicate Indigenous cultural practices and instill new values aligned with Western ideals. The harsh methods used to enforce discipline not only stifled self-expression but also undermined the students' connection to their heritage, effectively promoting cultural erasure.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of military-style discipline on Native American students and their communities following their experiences in boarding schools.
  • The long-term effects of military-style discipline on Native American students were profound and far-reaching. Many individuals emerged from boarding schools with deep psychological scars due to the trauma inflicted by strict punishment and forced assimilation. This experience contributed to a generational disconnect from cultural traditions as students struggled to reconcile their identities post-boarding school. Moreover, entire communities faced challenges in preserving their cultural practices as many former students felt alienated from their roots, creating lasting impacts on community cohesion and cultural continuity.

Related terms

Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural norms of another group, often leading to the loss of their original cultural identity.

Regimentation: A systematic organization or arrangement of individuals into a structured and controlled environment, emphasizing discipline and conformity.

Cultural Erasure: The systematic removal or destruction of a culture's traditions, language, and identity, often enforced by dominant societal structures.