Member-only story

Unveiling the Causes and Effects of the Flight of the Nez Perce

Dion Reed

·11.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Seeking Freedom: Causes And Effects Of The Flight Of The Nez Perce (Cause And Effect: American Indian History)

4 min read · 1 week before

156 View Claps

13 Respond

Save

Listen

The Nez Perce, a Native American tribe renowned for their horsemanship and cultural heritage, embarked on an arduous journey known as the "Flight of the Nez Perce" in 1877. This remarkable odyssey, spanning over 1,170 miles and lasting five months, unfolded amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions and unyielding determination.

Causes of the Flight

The Flight of the Nez Perce was a direct consequence of a complex interplay of factors, including:

Seeking Freedom: Causes and Effects of the Flight of the Nez Perce (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Heather E. Schwartz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16896 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	32 pages

Gold Rush and Land Conflicts: The discovery of gold in the Wallowa Valley in 1860 ignited a gold rush that brought an influx of miners and settlers to Nez Perce territories. These newcomers encroached upon traditional Nez Perce hunting and grazing lands, sparking conflicts over land ownership.
Government Pressure: The United States government pressured the Nez Perce to cede their lands and relocate to a reservation on the Lapwai River. However, Chief Joseph and other tribal leaders fiercely resisted the forced removal, arguing that they had a right to their ancestral lands.
Cultural Identity: The Nez Perce held deep cultural ties to their homeland, including the Wallowa Valley. They viewed the preservation of their traditional way of life and customs as paramount.

Events of the Flight

In May 1877, after failed negotiations and escalating tensions, Chief Joseph and a band of approximately 800 Nez Perce warriors, women, and children set out on their flight from the Wallowa Valley. Their journey took them through the rugged mountains of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and finally into the Big Hole Valley of Montana.

Along the way, the Nez Perce faced relentless pursuit by U.S. Army troops under the command of General Oliver Otis Howard. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Nez Perce fought valiantly, employing innovative guerrilla tactics and demonstrating extraordinary horsemanship.

Effects of the Flight

The Flight of the Nez Perce had profound consequences for both the tribe and the United States:

Loss of Land: The Nez Perce were ultimately forced to surrender in October 1877, after a bloody battle at Bear Paw Mountain. They were then forcibly relocated to the Colville Reservation in Washington state, far from their ancestral home in the Wallowa Valley.
Cultural Disruption: The flight and subsequent relocation to the reservation severely disrupted Nez Perce culture and social structure. Their traditional way of life was curtailed, and they faced significant challenges adjusting to life on the reservation.
Historical Legacy: The Flight of the Nez Perce has become a symbol of both the struggle for Native American sovereignty and the resilience of the Nez Perce people. Their bravery and determination continue to inspire admiration and respect generations later.

The Flight of the Nez Perce stands as a testament to the complex and tragic history of Native American relations in the United States. It underscores the devastating consequences of land conflicts, cultural suppression, and the unbridled expansion of settler colonialism. However, it also serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and cultural resilience of the Nez Perce people.

Their story continues to resonate today, challenging us to reflect on the complexities of the past and to work towards a future of greater understanding, reconciliation, and respect for Native American rights and cultures.

Seeking Freedom: Causes and Effects of the Flight of the Nez Perce (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Heather E. Schwartz

4.5 out of 5