Decolonising and Diversifying 19th Century US History - Resources and Links

Hi folks! The aim of this section is to pull together a range of resources related to re-framing and decolonising the history of the USA in the 19th century. Some of this is my own work via the Schools History Project and some is linking to the work of others. I hope this helps you in your quest to do justice to the stories of the people who for too long have been ignored in the study of this period.

1) Re-framing US history as settler colonialism

This three part video series explores how and why we need to re-frame the study of the American West to recognise the colonial roots of US expansion. These videos mainly focus on the Indigenous experience of conquest and show why it is important to cover this well and to show the continuation of Indigenous existence today. There is a workbook and resources to go with this set of sessions which were originally designed as a transition unit for students moving from GCSE to A Level study. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F947fT3i8ug&list=PLu4k7RF_fodMVrV-vCxlTmNTftaXp6q51 

 2) How should we present conflict in the West? 
This webinar explores the ways in which we can frame a study of conflict between Native Americans and US colonists during the mid to late 19th century. It covers a whole range of issues about how we frame and tackle wars between the Lakota and Dakota peoples and the US, including how we deal with causes. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vX49IClrLs&t=9s

3) Bringing in more diverse stories and voices
I am still working on creating a range of resources which cover diverse experiences in 19th century America. This is just a starting point and I hope to add more soon. 

• The story of Cade McCallum who escaped slavery to fight in the Civil War makes a really interesting way to chart the experiences of black Americans both before, during and after the Civil War and Reconstruction. You can find a good set of resources HERE 
• Martha Hodges' story offers a different perspective on Reconstruction. Between the end of the Civil War and 1911, Martha had to pursue payment of her war widows' pension. It is a fantastic story to look at how black women continued to be sidelined post Civil War as well as how they attempted to endure. You can find it HERE . You can find other stories HERE
• The story of 'Chief Joseph' broadens the narrative of US colonialism away from the focus on the northern Plains. This micro narrative can serve a s a really good starting point for understanding the tactics and aims of US colonialism over the whole period. You can find it HERE
• This resource aims to create some archetypes exploring the impact of US colonialism on the colonisers themselves. Please note that these are slightly fictionalised accounts. You can find them HERE
• Zitkala Sa - To add
• Susie King Taylor - To add
• Lost Bird of Wounded Knee – a baby who survived Wounded Knee and how she was then abused in white society. https://www.sdpb.org/learn/nativeamerican/lost-bird-of-wounded-knee/

4) Representing Indigenous peoples effectively
Representing the cultures and beliefs of Indigenous peoples is hugely important. I have covered this to some extent in the first part of this video. However you may find the following especially useful when exploring the culture and beliefs of the Lakota and Dakota peoples (the Oceti Sakowin):

• ​A documentary from SDPB on the Oceti Sakowin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZfwBUpYMds
• The Wolakota Project gives an excellent overview of core Oceti Sakowin beliefs and ideas https://www.wolakotaproject.org/introduction-to-the-oceti-sakowin-essential-understandings/
• Reservation life in 1930s https://www.wolakotaproject.org/oseu-six-vernon-ashley-life-in-the-1930s/
• Oceti Sakowin relationship with land vs European https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyl7YRyOdo8&list=PLs8d38Q6863su3p9rrzO2BE1XjjS6zREu

5) Linking to present day colonial issues
One way to really help students care about US history is to show how many of these issues still play out today.
​

• Indian County Today is an Indigenous news channel. Many of their stories show deep links with history: https://indiancountrytoday.com/ 
• Trauma and resilience https://www.wolakotaproject.org/oseu-two/oseu-two-faith-spotted-eagle-part-3-trauma-resilience/
• Water Protectors: Standing Rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ply14OGxq5Q
  
  

6) A textbook for KS3 or to begin KS4
This is a project in progress at the moment. The aim is to have a few chapters which can be used in KS3 or to begin a KS4 study of 19th century US history. I have included a sample of a draft, but watch this space for more.