American Indians in World War I : at home and at war

Book

American Indians in World War I : at home and at war / Thomas A. Britten.

Britten, Thomas A. (Thomas Anthony), 1964- (Author).

Summary:

Over 17,000 Native Americans registered for military service during World War I. Of these about 10,000 either enlisted or were drafted into the American Expeditionary Force. Three related questions are examined in depth for the first time in this book: What were the battlefield experiences of Native Americans? How did racial and cultural stereotypes about Indians affect their duties? Were Native American veterans changed by their military service?

Many American Indians distinguished themselves fighting on the Western Front. And as compared to black and Mexican American soldiers, Indians enjoyed near universal respect when in uniform. To celebrate their patriotism during and after the war, Indians could even perform a variety of traditional ceremonies otherwise proscribed. Both in combat and in their support roles on the homefront, including volunteer contributions by Indian women, Native Americans hoped their efforts would result in a more vigorous application of democracy. But the Bureau of Indian Affairs continued to cut health and education programs and to suppress Indian cultures.

Record details

ISBN: 0826320902
ISBN: 9780826320902
Physical Description: x, 253 pages : illustrations, portraits ; 23 cm
Edition: 1st pbk. ed.
Publisher: Albuquerque : University of New Mexico Press, 1999, ©1997.

Content descriptions

General Note:: "First paperbound printing, 1999"--Title page verso.
Bibliography, etc. Note:: Includes bibliographical references (pages 227-244) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:: Indian soldiers prior to World War I -- Indian soldiers and the issue of segregated troops -- The draft and enlistment of American Indians -- Indian soldiers in the American Expeditionary Force -- American Indians as "doughboys" : the influence of stereotypes -- American Indians and other minorities in World War I -- the Indian homefront and the BIA -- Indian veterans in the postwar era.