THE UNION'S LANGUAGE: DURING THE US SUBJUGATION OF THE NAVAJOS 1863-1868

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to focus on the effects of Anglo-American and US language on the Navajos. During that time the language was bias and exclusionary. The Civil War 1861-1865, over time caused a change in the language used during the US subjugation of the Navajo 1863-1868. Data was selected from; The American Antiquarian Society and Historical Newspapers [Series I, 1718-1876]. Searched all of Americas Historical Newspapers dated 1863-1868, for Navajo and received 200 results. Other documents such as letters, reports and visually evidence were used. My research revealed a variety of language and how this language was conveyed minimized the Navajos humanity and sovereignty that also provoked and inspired harsh, unsympathetic and racist treatment of the Navajo. Anglo-Americans changed over time through altruism, the military and legislation. This paper has an introduction, three sections and a conclusion. The first section explains why the language during the Civil War was harsh, unsympathetic and racist to the Navajo. The next section explains why after the Civil War, the language begins to change altruistically, legislatively and militarily, but still remained harsh, unsympathetic and racist to the Navajo. The last section, explains why several years after the Civil War the language shifts through the Sherman Treaty, Congressional legislation, and Military Orders. Anglo-American racialization was shown by comparing and contrasting language from the overlap between the Civil war and the US subjugation of the Navajo. Research revealed the dissemination of racist and exclusionary language. But not until humanitarian efforts were made on behalf of the Navajo by whites, would the language begin to change overtime. The Navajo were excluded from the language by biases, racism, and exclusionary practices. The paper shows an array of concern for the Navajos. My research will be expanded on this subject, also this methodological approach will be employed over time on an array of historical topics and time periods.