Why Were Native Americans Considered Uncivilized by Many Western Settlers?

The perception of Native Americans as uncivilized by Western settlers is a complex and troubling chapter in American history. This article delves into the various factors that contributed to this misperception, examining cultural differences, Eurocentric views, colonial narratives, conflict and violence, religious justifications, and historical ignorance.

Cultural Differences

One of the primary reasons for the misunderstanding of Native American civilizations was the cultural diversity and differences in societal norms. When Western settlers arrived in the Americas, they often judged Native American societies based on their own cultural norms and values. Key aspects that were highly valued by settlers, such as agriculture, permanent settlements, and written language, were seen as markers of civilization. However, many Native American tribes had different ways of life that were not understood or appreciated by the settlers. They practiced nomadic lifestyles, held on to oral traditions, and utilized communal land use, practices that were fundamentally different but equally valid.

Eurocentric Views

The prevailing worldview among many Europeans and later American settlers was Eurocentrism, a belief system that placed European culture at the center, positing it as superior. This ethnocentric perspective led to the belief that anything outside of European norms was inferior or inferior. This mindset reinforced the idea that Native American societies were less advanced, thus justifying their subjugation and displacement by European settlers.

Colonial Narratives

Early colonial narratives often depicted Native Americans as primitive or barbaric. These portrayals served to justify the dispossession of land and the imposition of European systems of governance and economy. Men like John Eliot, who was known for his work with Native American tribes, used such narratives to create a false dichotomy between the "civilized" Europeans and the "uncivilized" natives, thereby validating the expansion and colonization efforts.

Conflict and Violence

Interactions between settlers and Native Americans were often marked by violence, leading to further stereotypes of Native Americans as hostile or uncivilized. These conflicts were frequently framed in ways that painted Native Americans as aggressors, ignoring the context of land encroachment and resource exploitation by settlers. The Massacre at Sand Creek in 1864 and the Trail of Tears in the 1830s are examples of such atrocities, where Native American communities were brutally displaced from their lands.

Religious Justifications

Some settlers viewed their expansion as a divine mission, interpreting the subjugation of Native Americans as a moral imperative. Religious institutions played a significant role in these justifications, often using religious texts and interpretations to support the claim that Native Americans needed to be brought into the fold of Western civilization. These justifications were not only religious but also served political and economic interests, rationalizing the acquisition of more land and resources.

Historical Ignorance

Many settlers had little knowledge of the complex societies and rich cultures of Native American tribes. Misunderstandings about social structures, governance, and cultural practices contributed to the perception of Native Americans as uncivilized. For example, the Lakota and Sioux nations had intricate social hierarchies and strong communal bonds that were not fully understood by settlers, who instead focused on perceived flaws and differences.

The combination of these factors created a narrative that justified the displacement and mistreatment of Native Americans, reflecting broader themes of colonialism and cultural imperialism in American history. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for a nuanced and empathetic approach to American history and the ongoing struggles of Native American communities.