Thank you, World War I: the revival of Native American cultures

Abstract

By 1917, Native Americans were considered a Vanishing Race, their cultures and traditions had been under attack through various federal assimilation policies and laws for a minimum of two generations. Yet those cultures and traditions, through Native resistance, survived in order to be employed, making significant contributions within World War I and starting a cultural revival. This research aims to rewrite and reright Native American involvement within World War I, utilizing firsthand accounts, such as the Joseph K Dixon Wanamaker Collection Archives to bring forth the Indigenous voices of those within the Great War both on the Homefront and frontlines. Thank You, World War I, starts with the Federal Indian assimilation policies and restrictions of the late 1800s through early 1900s, followed by how Native Americans resisted them, holding on to their cultures long enough to be utilized throughout the war. Because of these efforts, both the resistance to assimilation and contributions within the Great War, we are able to celebrate the continued survivance of Native Americans. Native Americans continue to exist, they did not vanish and their cultures and traditions are still strong today, thanks to World War I.