Choosing Sides: Native Americans and the Civil War

The video explores the often-overlooked role of Native Americans in the Civil War. It discusses how around 340,000 indigenous people were affected, with some 20,000 enlisting to fight for either the Union or the Confederacy. The decision to choose sides was influenced by location and promises of land and sovereignty protection. The video highlights the complex dynamics within tribes, such as the Cherokee and Apache, and the devastating impact of the war on Native American communities, including continued relocation by the US government.

What was one of the main reasons Native Americans saw the Civil War as an opportunity?

• To establish trade relations

• To secure guarantees for their lands and sovereignty

• To form alliances with European powers

• To gain military experience

Which factor was crucial in determining the side Native American tribes chose during the Civil War?

• The type of crops they grew

• The climate of their region

• The location of their tribes

• The language they spoke

Which tribe was divided in its support during the Civil War?

• Navajo

• Cherokee

• Apache

• Sioux

What was the response of the Mescalero Apache when Confederate forces invaded their land?

• They fled to Mexico

• They fought back and attacked near Fort Stanton

• They sought help from the Union

• They allied with the Confederates

What continued to happen to Native American tribes despite treaties signed during the Civil War?

• They were given more land

• They were relocated by the US government

• They were granted full citizenship

• They were allowed to form their own government