Genocide of Indigenous People in the American Colonies

A Native American spiritual ritual by a fire

How did the genocide of indigenous people in America happen? What were the colonizers’ tactics? The genocide of indigenous people in America was accomplished through tactics of total war, a method of decimating a population to force submission. Europeans attacked women, children, and the elderly, and they took or destroyed resources. Here’s how and why European settlers committed genocide in the Americas.

Indigenous Resistance Against Colonization in America

A fire burning in a field

What did indigenous resistance look like? How did Native Americans resist colonization? Indigenous resistance against colonizing forces included guerrilla warfare, which meant setting fire to settlements, taking hostages, and killing settlers. Others chose to assimilate with the Europeans instead of participating in warfare, but this did not always spare them from European violence. Here’s more on how indigenous people resisted colonization in the Americas.

Forced Migration of Native Americans and Settler Violence

A historic European street town

Why did the forced migration of Native Americans happen? What violence forced them to move? The forced migration of Native Americans occurred as Europeans moved westward and demanded more territory. Migration was often deadly and meant leaving sacred, ancestral homes.  Read more to see how Native Americans resisted westward expansion and how they were ultimately forced out of their homes.

Native Americans During the Civil War: Anti-Indigenous Policies

A man with a stovepipe hat giving a speech

What was the role of Native Americans during the Civil War? How were they involved? During the Civil War, Native Americans were subject to many anti-indigenous policies and racism, and many responded by fighting to divide the United States. By joining in the war, Native Americans hoped to weaken European forces. Continue reading to learn how indigenous people were affected by and involved in the Civil War.

The US Rail System Wants to Upgrade to High-Speed Trains

A train going at high speed next to a field

What’s the history of the US rail system? Why has the US long failed to prioritize high-speed rail construction? Will there ever be a high-speed train in the US? The US Department of Transportation’s recent commitment of $6 billion to high-speed rail, fueled by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, could ignite further development in domestic rail service. Despite the government’s renewed focus on high-speed rail, serious challenges remain. Here’s an overview of the conversation about the US rail system.

Native Americans in the 1900s: Resisting Imperialism

A US American flag on a sandy beach

What was the status of Native Americans in the 1900s? Were they still subjected to oppression? In the early 1900s, Native Americans were targeted by legislation that forced them to become United States citizens and took away their rights as indigenous nations. During this time, Native Americans also fought back and sought to secure safe places for their nations to live and thrive. Keep reading to see how things were for indigenous people in the United States during the 20th century.

The Indigenous Civil Rights Movement: 1960s and Beyond

A peace sign at a protest

What were the key features of the indigenous civil rights movement in the US? What did Native activists accomplish in the 1960s? The indigenous civil rights movement sought to achieve self-governance, treaty enforcement, and land restitution for Native Americans. The movement has had many long-term impacts still seen today. Read on for more about Native American activism during the civil rights era.

Native American Struggles Today: The Right to Self-Determination

A man standing in front of two posts with arrows pointing different ways

What are key Native American struggles today? How are indigenous people fighting for justice in the 21st century? Native American struggles today are focused on the right to self-determination—for example, the right to independent governing bodies. Many see the current US policies as a continuation of the genocide at the foundation of the country. Here are some of the ways that Native Americans are still fighting for their rights.

Public Trust in Science Is Waning—Why This Is Dangerous

A doctor putting a shot in a person's arm.

Why has there been a sudden decrease in confidence in science? How could the distrust of science endanger individuals and the country? The public’s trust in science has dropped sharply over the last few years. This trend has people from all sides of the political spectrum, and in fields ranging from medicine to public policy, concerned about the future of progress in the United States. Here are some possible reasons why trust in science is waning.

Here’s Why Many Americans Are Avoiding the News

An older man ignoring the news on the television by looking at his phone.

Why are so many Americans avoiding the news? What are some of the negative effects of news fatigue? If you’ve been spending less time keeping up with the news, you’re in good company. Research shows that many Americans are paying less attention to the headlines than they used to—and there are many possible reasons why. Here’s how we get the news and a few reasons why experts think that our interest in following current events might be changing.