Captain Pratt's Views on Native American Education

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Questions and Answers

What does the author suggest is necessary for Indians to understand and use American citizenship?

Indians must immerse themselves in the daily experiences of American citizenship to truly understand and utilize it.

According to the passage, what needs to change in the perspective towards Indians for them to assert their humanity?

We need to recognize that Indians are fully capable individuals deserving of the same opportunities and privileges as others.

What conditions does the author argue must be removed to help Indians become civilized?

Conditions that keep them in bondage and surrounded by retrogressive influences must be removed.

What does the author imply about the role of social contact in the development of Indians?

Social contact and freedom of association are essential for their development and integration into American society. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view the relationship between Indians and the notion of civilization?

The author believes that once given equal opportunities, Indians will demonstrate their capacity for civilization. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the federal government's education policy for Native Americans starting in 1887?

The primary goal was to 'Americanize' Native Americans through the education of Native youth. Signup and view all the answers

What were some of the cultural changes imposed on Native American students in boarding schools?

Students were required to drop their Indian names, forbidden to speak native languages, and had their long hair cut off. Signup and view all the answers

How did Capt. Richard H. Pratt justify his methods for 'civilizing' Native Americans?

Pratt suggested that to save the man, one must 'kill the Indian' in him, implying that Native culture was seen as a hindrance to civilization. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the U.S. Training and Industrial School at Carlisle Barracks open?

The U.S. Training and Industrial School at Carlisle Barracks opened in 1879. Signup and view all the answers

What role did parents and youth from Native American communities play in response to these boarding schools?

Native American parents and youth often resisted these schools fiercely. Signup and view all the answers

What significant analogy did Pratt make regarding the education and civilizing of African Americans?

Pratt drew parallels between the 'civilizing' of Native Americans and African Americans, indicating a shared view of racial superiority and assimilation. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jefferson's policies impact Native American relocation?

Jefferson authorized removals through persuasion, purchase, or force, leading to permanent policies that displaced Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of boarding schools on Native American identity during this period?

Despite the aim to strip away tribal culture, these schools fostered a sense of shared Indian identity that transcended tribal boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What events highlight the tragic experiences of Native Americans as discussed in the passage?

The Piegan massacre and the battle of the Washita are examples of tragic events. Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about the impact of treaties on Native Americans?

Treaties led to long-term oppression through dependence on annuities and separation from civilization. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author compare the African American experience with that of Native Americans?

The author suggests that African Americans gained progress through exposure to civilization, unlike Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the author identify as necessary for true equality among all men?

The principle of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God is essential for equality. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism does the author have regarding the Land in Severalty Bill?

The author criticizes it for not facilitating true individualization and citizenship for Native Americans. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception does the author address concerning the Land in Severalty Bill's intent?

The misconception is that it would emancipate the Indians and bring them into full citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what factors contributed to the upliftment of African Americans?

Association with English-speaking, civilized people led to their upliftment. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe the conditions of Native Americans compared to African Americans?

Native Americans are portrayed as remaining 'savage' due to isolation, unlike African Americans who progressed. Signup and view all the answers

What method does the author suggest may be necessary to achieve Native American civilization?

The author suggests seeking new methods beyond land allotments to integrate Native Americans into citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

What role does education play in the passage regarding citizenship for African Americans?

Education is viewed as inadequate on its own to create citizenship; association was key. Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view on the recognition of rights for citizens in the context of race?

The author emphasizes that rights should not be abridged based on race or previous conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author identify as a 'fallacy' regarding the supposed emancipation of Native Americans?

The fallacy is that the Land in Severalty Bill would effectively emancipate them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author argue is necessary for the Indians to achieve individual capacity and freedom?

The author argues they need to be released from tribal relations to gain individual freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view the relationship between 'savagery' and 'civilization' in the context of racial groups?

The author associates savagery with isolation from civilizing influences, contrasting it with the success of assimilated groups. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do missionaries pose to the government regarding its policies with tribes?

Missionaries often dictate government policies based on their own interests, forcing the government to align its actions with missionary objectives. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what mistake is made in the approach to Indian assimilation?

The greatest mistake is feeding Indian civilization to the Indians instead of integrating them into American civilization. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author compare the assimilation of Germans to that of Indians?

The author suggests that if Germans can share in American customs upon arrival, then Indians should also be invited to participate in American society. Signup and view all the answers

What argument does the author make regarding the nature of the Indian?

The author contends that Indians are not inherently savage but are blank slates shaped by their environments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Carlisle school mentioned in the text?

The primary goal of the Carlisle school is to prepare young Indians for integration into mainstream American society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author propose regarding the cultural coexistence of Indians and whites?

The author proposes interspersing white families among Indian families to foster a sense of community and shared culture. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author state about the role of the missionary in aiding Indian communities?

The author believes missionaries should support Indians in achieving higher living conditions and assimilating into society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author recognize as essential for the success of Indian students in public schools?

It is essential that Indian students be prepared adequately to transition into public schools where they can compete effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Who has successfully gained the ability to meet whites in civilized pursuits?

Only those Indians who have left reservations and engaged with white communities have developed the necessary abilities. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy does the author make regarding citizenship and education?

The author compares teaching American citizenship to African negroes to the difficulties of achieving citizenship for Indians in their reservations. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author view the influence of civilization on individuals raised in different environments?

The author argues that individuals raised in savage or civilized environments will adopt the language and customs prevalent in those settings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the ties to tribal communism for Indians?

Indians who remain within their tribal communities may hinder their ability to integrate and succeed in broader society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest for the Land in Severalty Bill?

The author suggests that the bill be structured to place civilized families among Indian families to cultivate fellowship and support. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the efficacy of theorizing citizenship?

Theorizing citizenship is a slow process; practical integration and experiences are necessary for real understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the effects of tribal schools on Indian youth?

Tribal schools inhibit Indian youth from aspiring to education and experiences outside their tribes, reinforcing a sense of helplessness and separation. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author compare tribal schools to Catholic schools?

The author suggests that both types of schools maintain their respective groups' identities and separation from the larger society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author argue is necessary for Americanizing the Indian?

The author argues that Americanizing the Indian requires integrating them into the same schools as other races, not separating them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author's view imply about government support for tribes?

The author believes government support encourages a mindset of dependency and entitlement rather than self-sufficiency among tribal members. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the author criticize the role of missionaries?

The author criticizes missionaries for fostering separate identities among Indians rather than integrating them with the wider society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author identify as a major problem with tribal education?

The major problem is that tribal education does not equip individuals with the skills needed to compete with other populations. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome does the author suggest results from the current system of Indian education?

The current system leads to a continued existence of tribes that do not aspire to join the broader American society. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author perceive the success of missionary efforts?

The author perceives missionary efforts as largely unsuccessful in integrating Indians into mainstream society. Signup and view all the answers

What analogy does the author use to describe the detrimental effects of tribal schools?

The author compares it to telling a sick person they are unwell, which does not contribute to their recovery. Signup and view all the answers

What attitude do the tribes in New York reportedly have towards their identity?

Tribes in New York maintain a strong tribal identity and show little desire to integrate into the rest of society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest happens to advanced individuals within the tribes?

Advanced individuals may assist the missionary but tend to remain tied to their tribes instead of fully integrating. Signup and view all the answers

What risk does the author identify with the help provided to Indians by missionaries?

The risk is that such help can restrict their freedom and opportunities to assimilate and participate in society. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author believe that merely establishing more schools like Carlisle will not solve the issues faced by Indians?

The author believes that unless these schools promote integration into society, rather than isolation, they will not effect real change. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the intentions of the government regarding tribal education?

The author implies that the government's establishment of tribal schools stems from a belief that Indians are incompetent and need separate education. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does the author highlight in promoting individualism among Indians?

The challenge is that the prevailing systems and societal pressures push individuals to conform to tribal identities rather than pursuing personal goals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Captain Richard H. Pratt's Views on Indian Education

Pratt advocated for eliminating Native American culture to "civilize" them
He believed the "only good Indian is a dead one," arguing that Native American traits needed to be extinguished to achieve "manhood"
Pratt compared the education and civilization of African Americans to the assimilation of Native Americans
He argued that removing Native Americans from their tribes and placing them in predominantly white communities was the key to their “civilization”
Pratt criticized the reservation system, citing it as harmful to Native American progress and assimilation
He proposed individual land ownership, but cautioned that the system could reinforce tribal structures
He emphasized the importance of integration into mainstream American communities for Native American assimilation
He dismissed the role of reservations and boarding schools as primary agents of civilization and emphasized individual integration
Pratt argued that missionaries often hindered assimilation by promoting tribal identity and keeping Native Americans isolated

Pratt's Justification for Assimilation

Pratt argued that Native Americans, like other groups, were capable of achieving civilization through exposure and opportunity
He cited the assimilation of African Americans as evidence of the potential for change through integration
Pratt believed that Native Americans needed to be exposed to white American customs and values for progress in education, skills, and independence.
He believed immersion into mainstream American society was the key to fostering the "spirit of loyalty to the stars and stripes"
Pratt’s arguments centered around practical results rather than moral or philosophical considerations.

Pratt's Critique of Existing Policies

Pratt criticized previous U.S. government policies toward Native Americans as ultimately counterproductive by reinforcing tribal structures
He believed reservation systems and separate educational institutions created a cycle of dependence and hindered assimilation.
He contended that Native American assimilation was not being earnestly pursued, but rather that policies continued the same cycle of isolation

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Description

Explore the controversial perspectives of Captain Richard H. Pratt on Native American education and assimilation. This quiz delves into his beliefs about the eradication of Native culture and the critique of the reservation system, highlighting his advocacy for integration into white communities. Test your understanding of Pratt's impact on Native American education.