09/04/13

The American Way

From Old West to

Contempory life

AMERICAN IDENTITY

« USA! USA! USA! »

Today, all Americans wore or wear hats like the pioneers in the Conquest of the West.

George Bush himself regularly wears a hat with a classic style in the United States.

However, the trace of this conquest is not really visible today in the big cities. The

television westerns were able to recall that time with series like Lucky Luke. Many country

houses are still pretty similar to the houses of that time. But other places quite iconic in the

West like Los Angeles are absolutely no more like they were although it was built because of

the conquest.

The region which currently recalls this time better is Texas, with its many farms

and houses lost in the middle of nowhere with hard climatic condition that the pioneers

had to cross on their journey to the West. It is there that have lots of westerns were filmed

for the cinema.

THE LUCKY LUKE TELEGRAPH

Impact of the story of the Old

West

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Years : 1873

Condition : very used but

authentic

FOR SALE

Small ads

Mileage : 999 999 miles

Condition : used but very

good

FOR SALE

ROUX-FOUILLET Marine

PLASMANS Marie

Indian nation

The indian nations were living in the midwest.

The most important tribes were the Cheyenne,

the Sioux, the Crows and the Blackfoot. They

all spoke different languages and it was difficult

to communicate between them.

Tribes were themselves shared in clans.

Men’s importance

Men hunted buffalos and fished to feed

the tribe. They were the protector of the village.

With the conquest, they needed to move a lot

so their tepee were easy to dismount.

Men painted their honorable fights.

The tradition

All the indians smoked calumets

Before the expeditions or to create

harmony with the spiritual elements

They were also protected by the

animal totem.

In some tribes, to take the horse or

the weapon of the enemy brought

more glory than kill him.

The family

The women got up the first to refresh the fire, to look for some

water and prepare the morning meal. They ate twice a day. The

women made clothes, The most skillful women were admitted in

particular societies. These had a status mattering within the tribe.

In spite of days of intense work, the women knew how to remain

pretty .When a child was born, the umbilical cord was dried then

deposited in an amulet.

The ground on which we stand is a holy ground.

This is the blood of our ancestors. Chef Plenty Crops, Crow

A calumet

Native Americans are far from the

image that we have of them. Now they

have internet, they travel by car and

they dress like Europeans. They are

losing their culture but since a short

time, some of them have been

struggling to regain their territory. At

the same time, young people in search

of their lost traditions, their religion

and their rituals feel they have to find

their roots. Furthermore, the Native

Americans’ philosophy is more and

more respected by the society in this

rapidly changing world climate…

Their history

The Native Americans are the people

who lived in America before the arrival of

the pioneers in the 19th century. They

were nomads who lived in tribes and they

were led by a chief. They were warriors

and very brave and courageous. Moreo-

ver, they hunted buffalo, but only for food

and not for the hunt, and they never took

more than they needed. It was a people

closed to nature. In their philosophy, all

animals had special powers that could be

transmitted to humans. They believed in

the « Great spirit » , the God who

created all the nature and they were very

respectful of him.

The Native

Americans

The conquest of the west

In the nineteenth century the settlers,

coming from Europe, came to America

and conquered the west to spread their

territory. During this period they had to

meet indians and had to kill hem. The

culture of the Indians was

misunderstood by the settlers, they

thought they were just savages.

However, the pioneers were armed

with guns, and the native americans

couldn’t defend themselves. Therefore

they started to escape west, until the

extinction of their culture.

Nowadays

In the XIXth century, the American

named Wild West the west of America. This

west was the territory of Native Americans,

and to « civilize » this land, the Americans

launched the conquest. What is the influence

of this old West on today ?

The first influence is in the culture,

and particularly in the films. The western

come from this west. The Good, The Bad and

The Ugly represents this kind of film.

The means of transportation are also concer-

ned, for example the first transcontinental

railway was built to answer to the wave of

pioners who went to the west during the gold

The Old West today

Moreover the conquest of the west in

the past, and the economic or space conquest

today reveal the conqueror spirit of the Ameri-

cans.

In the past, to justify the conquest, a doctrine was

created: Manifest destiny, which said that it was

the role of the United states to spread democracy

in the wild west. This idea continues today by the

wishes of spreading democracy in Asia and

Africa.

Finally the battle against the Native Ameri-

cans and disease explain today the low number of

these people.The proximity between the Native Ame-

ricans and the nature, stupid for the american of the

XIXe century, is our future.

The influence of the Old West is very impor-

tant, in a lot of areas like culture or psychology. But

during the conquest of West, the Whites made some

mistakes and today the Native Americans are asking

for compensation.

Native Americans or Indians were the first people to live in the New World. They had been living there long before the first Native Americans or Indians were the first people to live in the New World. They had been living there long before the first Native Americans or Indians were the first people to live in the New World. They had been living there long before the first EurEurEuropeans arrived. opeans arrived. opeans arrived.

MMMost Indians concentrated on the important ost Indians concentrated on the important ost Indians concentrated on the important

things in life: getting food, making clothes and things in life: getting food, making clothes and things in life: getting food, making clothes and

building houses.Indians ate many different kinds building houses.Indians ate many different kinds building houses.Indians ate many different kinds

of food. of food. of food.

Those who lived on the plains of the Central Uni-Those who lived on the plains of the Central Uni-Those who lived on the plains of the Central Uni-

ted States ate the meat of buffalo. Those who li-ted States ate the meat of buffalo. Those who li-ted States ate the meat of buffalo. Those who li-

ved in the southved in the southved in the south---western part lived with corn, western part lived with corn, western part lived with corn,

beans and squash. Indians in Alaska and Canada beans and squash. Indians in Alaska and Canada beans and squash. Indians in Alaska and Canada

were fishers and hunted deer and other wild ani-were fishers and hunted deer and other wild ani-were fishers and hunted deer and other wild ani-

mals in the forests. Most Indians ate berries and mals in the forests. Most Indians ate berries and mals in the forests. Most Indians ate berries and

collected nuts.Indians cooked their food in ovens collected nuts.Indians cooked their food in ovens collected nuts.Indians cooked their food in ovens

that they made with hot stones. that they made with hot stones. that they made with hot stones.

They preserved meat by smoking or drying it in They preserved meat by smoking or drying it in They preserved meat by smoking or drying it in

the sun.the sun.the sun.

Many Indians married at an early age, girls bet-Many Indians married at an early age, girls bet-Many Indians married at an early age, girls bet-

ween 13 and 15, boys between 15 and 20. In some ween 13 and 15, boys between 15 and 20. In some ween 13 and 15, boys between 15 and 20. In some

Indian tribes parents chose husbands and wives Indian tribes parents chose husbands and wives Indian tribes parents chose husbands and wives

for their children. Some Indian tribes allowed men for their children. Some Indian tribes allowed men for their children. Some Indian tribes allowed men

to have more than one wife. to have more than one wife. to have more than one wife.

In some parts of America, Indians built tepees that In some parts of America, Indians built tepees that In some parts of America, Indians built tepees that

were covered with leaves. Some tribes built were covered with leaves. Some tribes built were covered with leaves. Some tribes built

houses into the earth that they covered with leaves houses into the earth that they covered with leaves houses into the earth that they covered with leaves

and grass. Indians in the Great Plains built tepees and grass. Indians in the Great Plains built tepees and grass. Indians in the Great Plains built tepees

made of buffalo skin. made of buffalo skin. made of buffalo skin.

Indians of the southIndians of the southIndians of the south---western part of America used western part of America used western part of America used

sunsunsun---dried bricks to make houses.dried bricks to make houses.dried bricks to make houses.

Indians built many different types of homes because Indians built many different types of homes because Indians built many different types of homes because

they lived in different climates and didn’t have the they lived in different climates and didn’t have the they lived in different climates and didn’t have the

same building materials. same building materials. same building materials.

Some groups built large houses with many rooms Some groups built large houses with many rooms Some groups built large houses with many rooms

where many families could stay together, others had where many families could stay together, others had where many families could stay together, others had

small houses in which only very few people lived.small houses in which only very few people lived.small houses in which only very few people lived.

After a man died his wife often lived with his bro-After a man died his wife often lived with his bro-After a man died his wife often lived with his bro-

ther’s family.Most Indian families were small be-ther’s family.Most Indian families were small be-ther’s family.Most Indian families were small be-

cause many children died at birth or at an early age. cause many children died at birth or at an early age. cause many children died at birth or at an early age.

When boys got older they were tested for their When boys got older they were tested for their When boys got older they were tested for their

strength and bravery. strength and bravery. strength and bravery.

Many had to live alone in the wilderness for a long Many had to live alone in the wilderness for a long Many had to live alone in the wilderness for a long

time.In many areas, Indians lived in big families time.In many areas, Indians lived in big families time.In many areas, Indians lived in big families

called clans. These clans were a group of relatives called clans. These clans were a group of relatives called clans. These clans were a group of relatives

who had one common ancestor.Many Indians made who had one common ancestor.Many Indians made who had one common ancestor.Many Indians made

clothes from animal skins and furs. clothes from animal skins and furs. clothes from animal skins and furs.

Buffalo skin and rabbit fur were especially popular. Buffalo skin and rabbit fur were especially popular. Buffalo skin and rabbit fur were especially popular.

They also used bird feathers to decorate their They also used bird feathers to decorate their They also used bird feathers to decorate their

heads.Indians of the tropical regions only wore heads.Indians of the tropical regions only wore heads.Indians of the tropical regions only wore

simple skirts. Some tribes wore no clothes at all. simple skirts. Some tribes wore no clothes at all. simple skirts. Some tribes wore no clothes at all.

FAMBART Liam WOLF ThibaultFAMBART Liam WOLF ThibaultFAMBART Liam WOLF Thibault

Live in harmony with

the nature

We know that the earth doesn’t belong to the men, it’s the men who belong to the earth, said the Indian Chief Suquamish.

« Everybody have to find the good way. You can’t see it. It is why it is difficult to find it. Nobody can show you this way. Everyone has to discover it by himself. » Charlie Knight

The philosophy of the indian is a source of wisdom based

on the respect of the nature and the understanding of

« the spirit which is in every thing ».

The old Lakota was a wise man. He knew that the heart of man far from nature becomes hard.

« My young people never work. The men who work can’t dream. And wisdom comes to us from the dreams. »

Smohalla Indian Chief

The teepee, totem pole, peace pipe, and moccasins are The teepee, totem pole, peace pipe, and moccasins are known being the symbols of Native Americans. known being the symbols of Native Americans. Everything from native plants and animals became a Everything from native plants and animals became a part of the culture in Indians life. The animals were seen part of the culture in Indians life. The animals were seen as spirits, and although they were hunted and killed, as spirits, and although they were hunted and killed, their skins and hides were used as clothing and drums. their skins and hides were used as clothing and drums. Their meat was never wasted, and their spirits lived on Their meat was never wasted, and their spirits lived on in the mind of the tribes. Plants were cultivated and in the mind of the tribes. Plants were cultivated and collected, and used for various things such as paint. The collected, and used for various things such as paint. The rain and sun were considered to be Gods, giving a sign rain and sun were considered to be Gods, giving a sign to the Indians as the seasons changed. Totem poles were to the Indians as the seasons changed. Totem poles were an integral part of Native American culture. The Indians an integral part of Native American culture. The Indians believed that each person was attributed to the spirit of believed that each person was attributed to the spirit of a particular animal, and their spirit was absorbed into a particular animal, and their spirit was absorbed into this animal when they died.. The totem pole was a large, this animal when they died.. The totem pole was a large, tall wooden carving of various animals, each tall wooden carving of various animals, each representing a family member of a loved one who died.representing a family member of a loved one who died.Smoke signals are another interesting aspect of Native Smoke signals are another interesting aspect of Native Americans culture. They were used to communicate to Americans culture. They were used to communicate to others over a long distance and are an other symbol of others over a long distance and are an other symbol of the proud heritage of the Native American.the proud heritage of the Native American.

Native Americans Culture

The cycle of life for the woman is the baby, girl, woman, and grandmother. These are the four directions of life. Her ability to reproduce life has been given by the natural laws. The most sacred of all things is life. Therefore, all men should treat her with dignity and respect. They never harmed her mentally or physically. Indian men were never abusers. They always treated the women with respect and understanding.

Native Americans Philosophy

The Indians prepared their children as an eagle preparesits young to leave the nest. They used the culture to prepare them for life. They spend time with them in order to learn from them and to listen to them. They taught their children to pray and the importance of respect. They believed they were caretakers of the children and children were Gods ones. They were proud of their Native language so they taught it to the children. They taught them the culture and encouraged sports.Mostly, they were a model for them.

The creator gave to the Indians the family, which was the placewhere all teachings were passed from the grandparents, to the parents, and to the children. The children's behavior was a mirror of the parents behavior. Knowing this, they realized the importance for each Indian man to build a strong and stable family.The Indian man gave his priorities to rebuild his family. He didn't give up and leave his family only to the mother(Mother Earth).He fed his family's spiritual, cultural, and social health.He showed trust, respect, honor and discipline.

In the community, the honor of one was the honor of all and the pain of one was the pain of all. The Indians gave back to the community by giving their timeand talents.The Indians men made friendships with other Indian men for mutual support and strength. They took care of their community so that the alcohol and drugs would vanish, and their communities would forever be free of violence. If each of them could do all these things, then others would follow and they would be a proud community.

The Mother Earth is the origin of all life like plants, two-legged, four-legged, winged animals or human beings. The Mother Earth is the greatest teacher, the Indians listened, observed and respected her. When the Indians lived in harmony with the Mother Earth, they believed she recycled the used things and made them usable to their children. The Indians men had to teach their children how to take care of the Earth. They treated the Earth, which they considered like their Mother, with honor and respect. They believed the Earth didn't belong to them, but they belonged to the Earth. They protected the Earth as they would protect their own mothers.

The Indians thought about what kind of person they wanted to be when they would be an Elder and started developing themselves to be this person. They examined themselves daily to see what they did good and what they needed to improve. They examined their strength and weaknesses, and would ask to the Creator to guide them. Each day, they listened to the Creators voice in the wind. They walked with dignity, honor and humility, behaving themselves as warriors. They kept the knowledge of culture, ceremonies, and songs, and so that they passed these to the future generations.

"there is no differences between humans, animals or vegetables. All these

creatures came from earth. The Great Spirit has mysterious powers and

his desires come true. We have just to express them".

Native Americans lived in the north of America. They hunted ,buffalos to sur-

vive. –they fought against other Indians to have more hunting territories. When

white people arrived,, Indians were allied to fight against white people to defend

their land and their way of life.

The native Americans were the first inhabitants of America. When the first settlers arri-

ved in 1492, they started changing their way of life and philosophy. Before the XIX centu-

ry, the Native Americans were free, they had their own tradition, they respected the na-

ture. They killed buffalo to survive, they provided to their needs. But when the settlers

came, they changed their way of life, for example they tried to civilize them. They also

killed all the buffalo for fun, so the native Americans couldn’t survive. Today, there are

only a few to exist with their original traditions.

« The fight will be long until wolves and

Native Americans will find a place on their

original land »

« Be nice with the earth, it was not given

by your parents, but it is lent by your

children »

Indian culture has influenced the name of many states, like Ohio, Michigan, Idaho, Minnesota, Connecti-

cut, Ontario, Illinois, Nebraska etc. but, also many rivers such as Mississippi.

The Native Americans were the first population to live in North America.

When Christopher Colombus arrived on their continent in 1492, they were 1.5 mil-

lions. During Settlement, many native americans died because of new deseases and

settler’s massacres.

Then, when the pioneers conquered the west, new tribes were discovered. These tribes

will kill many pioneers. The first settlers called them « red skins » .

4400 sites were listed. They were occupied between

the sixth and fourteenth centuries by Indians like

National Park of Mesa Verde, Colorado, West of

America

The native americans have a culture very different from ours!

Their way of life is particular. They live with the respect of the nature. The seasons and

the weather manage their life and activities….

The Native American trust in a god, very important for them: « Manitou », Moreover,

superior forces like, Wind, Earth, Love are the principal elements of the prayers. For

The population is very respectful about the Origin of America: the Native Americans!

The United States of America recognize today the Indian’s legacy.

An important museum, « National Museum of American Indians keeps the legacy, in Washington D.C.

A few historical landmarks...

In olden times and now

The teepee

The teepee (or

tepee,tipi) is the most

famous indian’s

habitation. It is made of

buffalo hide fastened

around very long

wooden poles, designed

in a cone shape. The tipi

is the property of the

women. They build it

and break it down for

the transports. They are

the chief inside of it. It’s

a place of exchange.

The outside of the tipi is

painted by the men.

They use it to show

their achievements and

use specific colors :

yellow for twilight, blue

for the North, red for

the sunrise…

The longhouses

The longhouses are used by the Iroquois.

Contrary to the tipi, many families (8 to 10 most of

the time) live in this kind of houses. They are huge

houses : 200 feet long (61 meter) and 25 feet wide

(7 meter). They are built with long poles of wood,

tied wood and bark.

The hogans

The hogan is the traditional house of the Navajo. It’s

made of wooden pole, bark and mud. They are

permanent structures. The hogan’s door is always

facing East to welcome the sunrise. It’s used only for

sleeping. Each family has two hogans : one in the

desert and the other one in the mountains. They

move seasonally.

Now, the Native American live in reservations which have bad

reputations. It was created in 1851 and they are managed by the

bureau of indians affairs. There are about 310 reservations for 500

indians tribes. They are the property of the USA. The living conditions

are hard because there is a lot of alcoholism, the rate of

unemployment is high (85%) and the life expectancy is of 48 years.

Change ?

We can consider that many civilizations and persons have made America: . First, colonists who settled in America and became the “cowboys”. They drove the

Indians away during the gold rush and they established some traditions. For example, the clothes, as we can see on the right. Colonists also built first cities in America and they brought a lot of new technologies from Europe.

. Secondly, different presidents of the USA : We can quote five of the most emblematic presidents. Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery and put the end to the civil war, Georges Washington, who was the first USA’s president and who participated in the writing of the constitution .Franklin Roosevelt, who was famous for his “New Deal” (recovery plan response to the crisis). Harry Truman who showed that the United States was the guardians of the world by voting the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe at the end of the Second World War. Theodore Roosevelt, famous for his peacemaking, he avoided many conflicts with his diplomacy. . Finally, it’s not a person and not a civilization but the gold rush. During this gold rush

(1848-1856), many Europeans came to settle in the USA to try to find gold and build new cities in the West. We can imagine that if there had not been a gold rush, America wouldn’t be what it is today.