First Post-Initial Thoughts

My initial thoughts of the Native American research topic were essentially positive. I was very excited to learn about the cultures of those who first inhibited our country. However, as I began to research this topic, I realized that there would be a lot of disappointing aspects to the topic. The reason for the disappointment is due to the fact that the Native Americans have faced horrible of hardships over time. Not only have they endured the labeling of harsh stereotypes, but their land was taken from them by the incoming European settlers, which essentially displaced great amounts of indigenous people. Although it is upsetting to obtain information such as this, I am still overall excited to further research the history of Native Americans in the United States. Furthermore, when I first started my research, I enjoyed learning about Native American advocates such as John Collier, who have helped gain rights for the American indigenous. The eras that will be studied are the 18th, 19th, and 20th century through the present. Within these eras, the subtopics of social equality, treaties, territories, conflict, cultural contributions and relations, political power, and outside influence will be researched.