Write an essay about Indian Schools.

Part 1: Essay

Write an essay which answers the following questions.

Remember that this should be an ESSAY with an introduction, a conclusion, paragraphs, correct grammar and spelling, and clear writing. It should be approx 2 pages long.

(1) What are the advantages and disadvantages of using photographs as historical sources? Do photos always give you a "true" and complete account of the past? Can they be biased?

(2) What is assimilation? Do you think that the schools and the federal government were correct in their goal of assimilating Native Americans, particularly children? Why or why not? What were some of the advantages and disadvantages of this policy?

(3) Why do you think the educators stressed vocational or work-related training over academic or book learning? Was there a built-in prejudice against Indian students evident in this curriculum?

Part 2: Primary and Secondary Sources.

Using the guidelines below, list three primary sources and three secondary sources that the authors used or cited. List these at the end of the essay (they do not have to be in written paragraphs; just a list is fine)

A primary source is a first-hand account of a historical event or historical figure. These sources were produced at the same time that the historical event happened. Primary sources may include a variety of documents -- photographs, letters, diaries, newspapers, or elements of material culture -- produced contemporaneously with the subject under study. Primary sources would also include autobiographies. List three primary sources (in addition to the photographs) used to write this essay. Only one photograph will be acceptable.