During World War I, about 10,000 Native Americans 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? Did their wartime contributions lead to
changes in federal Indian policy or their standard of living?
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.
"This is a first-rate book and a significant contribution to
twentieth-century Indian history."--Professor Donald L. Parman
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