The Dark History Behind Thanksgiving

The video discusses the drastic decline of the Native American population from over 10 million to less than a million due to European colonization, genocide, and diseases. It highlights the concept of 'paper genocide' where Native American identities were erased through altered birth records. The video also challenges the traditional Thanksgiving narrative, revealing it as a celebration of a massacre of the Pequot tribe. Finally, it touches on President Lincoln's policies towards Native Americans, including the largest mass hanging in U.S. history during the Dakota War.

What was the estimated Native American population before the European invasion?

• Over ten million

• Two million

• Less than a million

• Five million

What were some of the factors that led to the decline in Native American population?

• Internal conflicts

• Lack of resources

• Natural disasters

• Introduction of diseases

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What was the impact of European arrogance and greed on Native Americans?

• Increase in their wealth

• Formation of new alliances

• Improvement in their living conditions

• Drastic reduction in their population

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Who was responsible for the 'paper genocide' of Native Americans?

• George Washington

• Christopher Columbus

• President Lincoln

• Dr. Arthur Placard

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What was the role of Dr. Arthur Placard in the 'paper genocide'?

• Erasing Native American identities on birth certificates

• Negotiating treaties with Native American tribes

• Introducing diseases to Native Americans

• Leading military campaigns against Native Americans

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What was the true story behind the first Thanksgiving?

• A peaceful dinner between Native Americans and Europeans

• A massacre of the Pequot tribe

• A celebration of a successful harvest

• A treaty signing event

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Where did the massacre that led to the first Thanksgiving take place?

• Jamestown, Virginia

• Mystic, Connecticut

• Plymouth, Massachusetts

• Roanoke, North Carolina

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What did the Europeans do to the Pequot tribe during the first Thanksgiving?

• Gave them gifts

• Signed a peace treaty

• Invited them to a feast

• Trapped and burned them

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Who decided to make Thanksgiving a national holiday?

• Thomas Jefferson

• President Lincoln

• John Adams

• George Washington

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What was the largest mass hanging in U.S. history related to?

• The Civil War

• The Salem witch trials

• The capture and execution of over 200 Native Americans

• The American Revolution

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