Causes And Effects Of The Flight Of The Nez Perce Cause And Effect

The Flight of the Nez Perce, also known as the Nez Perce War, was a significant conflict in American history that took place in the late 19th century. It was a tragic event that resulted in the displacement of the Nez Perce people from their ancestral lands in the Northwestern United States. This article will delve into the causes and effects of this historic event, shedding light on the struggles faced by the indigenous people and the impact it had on their culture and way of life.

The Nez Perce People

The Nez Perce are a Native American tribe that has inhabited the Columbia River Plateau for thousands of years. They excelled in various aspects of life, including fishing, hunting, trading, and agriculture. The tribe had a rich culture and a deep connection to the land they called home.

However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, the Nez Perce way of life was threatened. The encroachment of white settlers and the depletion of natural resources led to tension and conflict between the Nez Perce and the newcomers.

Seeking Freedom: Causes and Effects of the Flight of the Nez Perce (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Heather E. Schwartz (Kindle Edition)

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Causes of the Flight

Several factors contributed to the Flight of the Nez Perce. One of the primary causes was the signing of the Treaty of 1855. Through this treaty, the Nez Perce agreed to give up a significant portion of their ancestral land in exchange for a reservation. However, the government failed to fulfill its promises, and the Nez Perce were forced to live on a smaller reservation than what was initially agreed upon.

Furthermore, gold discoveries on Nez Perce land added to the turmoil. Settlers flooded the area in search of gold, disrupting the Nez Perce's traditional way of life and pushing them further into conflict with the white settlers.

The Flight of the Nez Perce was also ignited by the killing of several Nez Perce individuals by U.S. soldiers. In one instance, the murder of a respected Nez Perce leader, Chief Lawyer, triggered a series of retaliatory attacks, leading to the escalation of hostilities between the two groups.

The Flight Begins

In 1877, tensions between the Nez Perce and the U.S. government reached a boiling point. Facing the threat of forced relocation to a reservation, a group of Nez Perce warriors, led by Chief Joseph, decided to flee their ancestral lands and seek refuge in Canada. This decision marked the beginning of the Flight of the Nez Perce.

The Nez Perce embarked on a treacherous journey, covering over 1,400 miles to reach their destination. Along the way, they faced relentless pursuit from the U.S. Army, engaging in numerous battles and skirmishes. The U.S. forces outnumbered and outgunned the Nez Perce, but their determination and strategic brilliance allowed them to outmaneuver their pursuers for several months.

Effects of the Flight

Ultimately, the Nez Perce were unable to reach their desired destination in Canada. Exhausted and depleted, they surrendered to the U.S. Army just 40 miles shy of the Canadian border. The Flight of the Nez Perce came to a tragic end.

The consequences of this conflict were profound. The Nez Perce were forced to relinquish their ancestral lands and were relocated to a reservation in Oklahoma. The displacement shattered their way of life and led to the erosion of their cultural traditions. The Nez Perce people, once proud and independent, were now confined to a foreign land, struggling to preserve and sustain their identity.

Furthermore, the Flight of the Nez Perce highlighted the continued mistreatment of Native American tribes by the U.S. government. It brought attention to the broken treaties, displacement, and violence endured by Indigenous people as a result of white settlement and expansion. The Flight of the Nez Perce served as a wake-up call, shedding light on the injustices faced by Native Americans and fueling the fight for their rights and recognition.

In

The Flight of the Nez Perce was a tragic event triggered by broken promises, encroachment, and violence. It resulted in the displacement of the Nez Perce people and the erosion of their cultural heritage. This conflict serves as a stark reminder of the injustices suffered by Native American tribes throughout history. It is essential to revisit these events and learn from them to ensure a better future where respect and recognition are given to all cultures and people, regardless of their background.

Seeking Freedom: Causes and Effects of the Flight of the Nez Perce (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Heather E. Schwartz (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16896 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

The U.S. government told the Nez Perce in 1877 to move to a reservation far from their home, or else.  What started out peacefully ended in a desperate attempt to escape U.S. forces.  About 800 tribal members ran for their lives, almost reaching safety in Canada. How would it affect their lives and change the United States?