The year 1864 is significant in the history of Native Americans in the Southwest due to the forced removal of the Navajo people during the Long Walk, a tragic event that led to their imprisonment and suffering. This year marked a turning point as thousands of Navajo were marched to Fort Sumner in New Mexico, which became a symbol of their struggle against U.S. government policies. The aftermath of the Long Walk influenced the future of the Navajo people and their return to their ancestral homeland, Diné Bikéyah.
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In 1864, approximately 8,000 Navajos were forced to march over 300 miles to Fort Sumner, experiencing extreme hardships including starvation and exposure.
The Long Walk resulted in a high death toll; estimates suggest that hundreds died during the journey and many more suffered from disease at Fort Sumner.
Conditions at Fort Sumner were dire, with inadequate shelter and food leading to further suffering for the imprisoned Navajo.
The U.S. government viewed this forced relocation as a means to control and subdue the Navajo people amid ongoing conflicts over land and resources.
The return of the Navajo to Diné Bikéyah began in 1868 after negotiations resulted in a treaty allowing them to reclaim parts of their ancestral lands.
Review Questions
What were the major consequences of the Long Walk for the Navajo people during 1864?
The Long Walk had devastating consequences for the Navajo people, resulting in significant loss of life and cultural disruption. Thousands were forcibly removed from their homes and faced harsh conditions during the march to Fort Sumner. This experience marked a profound trauma that affected their social structure and connection to their homeland, as many lost loved ones and faced challenges in preserving their traditions during imprisonment.
Discuss how the events of 1864 impacted future relations between Native Americans and the U.S. government.
The events of 1864 significantly impacted future relations between Native Americans and the U.S. government by highlighting the brutality of forced relocations and the consequences of U.S. policies aimed at subjugating Indigenous populations. The Long Walk fostered resentment and distrust among Native communities towards federal authorities. Following this period, there was increasing advocacy for Native American rights and sovereignty as tribes sought to reclaim their lands and negotiate better terms with the government.
Evaluate the long-term effects of the Long Walk on Navajo identity and cultural preservation following their return to Diné Bikéyah.
The Long Walk had long-term effects on Navajo identity and cultural preservation that continue to resonate today. The traumatic experience served as a catalyst for a strong sense of resilience and unity among the Navajo people. Upon returning to Diné Bikéyah, there was a renewed commitment to preserving language, traditions, and community values. This event also prompted greater awareness among Navajos regarding their rights and history, leading to efforts in cultural revitalization that remain essential in maintaining their heritage.
Related terms
Long Walk: The forced march of the Navajo people from their homelands to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, which occurred between 1863 and 1864, resulting in significant loss of life and culture.
Diné Bikéyah: The traditional homeland of the Navajo people, which encompasses parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado, central to their identity and cultural practices.
Fort Sumner: A military outpost in New Mexico where the Navajo were forcibly relocated during the Long Walk, often referred to as Bosque Redondo, where they faced harsh conditions.