Minority Groups during 1880-1914
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Date of Submission
Minority Groups during 1880-1914
Introduction
The Plains Indians lived in a place known as the Great Plain, a part of their country. This category of people was famous because of their culture, which includes buffalo’s importance, how their religious ceremonies were conducted, how Tepee was used, and customs that were war-path waxed. This culture had four powerful tribes: Dakota, Cheyenne, Sioux, and Comanche (Waldinger, 1999). They had difficulties in cultivating their crops because of harsh conditions, and the land was dry. They hunted buffalo for their survival; they also depended on different materials from such animals. Nomadism was their way of life. On the other hand, African Americans were the black people who migrated from their countries and settled in the USA. They depended on informal employment for economic sustainability.
The majority of plain Indians were living in poverty. They conducted their trade between themselves by exchanging materials acquired from buffalos. At the turn of the century, the Plain Indians were displaced by the white people. African American majority of them lived in dilapidated conditions. They were poor, with low education levels and poor health conditions. This group of people experienced racial discrimination. A study conducted in the USA shows 39% of African Americans and plain Indians had lower education levels.
The industrial revolution that was spreading to the West of the USA affected the culture of the plains Indians in various ways; one of them was the extermination of their buffalos. This was a significant factor in their lives. Buffalos provided them with food, hides which provided clothing and shelter, bones for utensils, and droppings were used for heat and fuel (Waldinger, 1999). They also faced severe challenges while farming. Many of them lost their lands, and their farm produce fell; this was due to many farmers producing the same commodities.
The industrial revolution had more significant impacts on the lives of African Americans who were in the South. It led to liberalization since most of the white people never treated them as equals. The African Americans were neglected by whites who dominated America. They introduced institutional racisms in education, employment, businesses, Housing, medicines, and politics (Lieberson, 1980). The criminal justice system targeted most African Americans since they were perceived as criminals. The majority of them are thrown to prison; this has made them fear, hence making their lives pathetic. African Americans came up with unions that will advocate their rights; this will reduce the hostility facing them.
Progressives played a crucial role in the lives of plain Indians; it created a responsive government. This improved many lives since the government could provide solutions to challenges faced by plain Indians. It provided solutions to the racism that was taking place in the USA on plain Indians and African Americans (Lieberson, 1980). Women of African Americans demanded better education for their children, the right to vote, and women’s suffrage. They also exposed corrupt deals that were taking place in government institutions.
Progressives are critical because they created an equal battlefield, thus reducing racial discrimination. It also increased government efficiency hence better service delivery. More power was given to citizens; this helped the minority groups to carry on their activities without fear.
Conclusion
The industrial revolution played a crucial role in changing the lives of Plain Indians and African Americans. Their economic status was transformed since there was a shift in their ways of life. Racial discrimination remains a challenge up to date, but most minority groups will understand their rights with the rise of liberalization.
References
Lieberson, S. (1980). A piece of the Pie: Blacks and white immigrants since 1880. Univ of California Press.
Waldinger, R. D. (1999). Still the promised city?: African-Americans and new immigrants in postindustrial New York. Harvard University Press.