Why the U.S. Army Tried to Exterminate the Bison

Provided by: Vox |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

This video describes the history behind the near-extermination of bison in America, prompted by the United States government as settlers and the railroad moved west in the 1800s.
It addresses the purpose of removing the bison to assist in driving native people off their lands, since they relied on the buffalo for food, clothing, shelter, and tools.

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Subjects: Biology, History

Authors: Vox

Region: United States

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This video provides an interdisciplinary examination of species' population endangerment by considering environmental justice, history, and human pressures.
Excellent photographs and news articles are analyzed and described.

Prerequisites

There are commercials before the video.
Students should be familiar with the term "manifest destiny" and the removal of Indigenous peoples as the American West was settled.
If this source is used in a science classroom, a short discussion of the historical context prior to watching the video will be helpful.

Differentiation & Implementation

Consider having students rewrite some of the news articles that are referenced from different perspectives: the U.S. Army, an Indigenous person, a U.S. settler, etc.
Have students work in pairs to discuss their thoughts and feelings related to the government's participation in removing an animal so important to Indigenous people. Prompt them with questions to discuss together.
Another resource that may be of interest is Indigenous Communities are on the Front Lines of Climate Change.

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Why the U.S. Army Tried to Exterminate the Bison

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources