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WWI’s Unspoken Chapter: Native Americans Fighting for Their Oppressors

The story of Native Americans in World War I is one of deep paradoxes and remarkable courage. At a time when their communities were marginalized and their rights denied, thousands of Native Americans volunteered to fight for a nation that had stripped them of their land and autonomy. Their contributions to the war effort, however, were extraordinary, leaving a legacy that shifted the trajectory of their status in the United States.

A Nation Within a Nation

A Nation Within a Nation
Image Credit: The Great War

By the early 20th century, Native Americans were living under severe oppression. Confined to reservations and suffering the effects of disease, cultural destruction, and systemic efforts to erase their identity, they were at one of the lowest points in their history. Government policies like the Allotment Act aimed to force assimilation by dividing communal lands and granting individual plots. Citizenship was offered only to those who accepted these allotments, leaving the majority of Native people classified as non-citizens. Without citizenship, they couldn’t vote, and they were exempt from the draft.

Volunteering for a Nation That Denied Them

Volunteering for a Nation That Denied Them
Image Credit: The Great War

Despite their treatment, an estimated 12,000 Native Americans voluntarily enlisted in the military during World War I. Their reasons for joining varied. For some, it was about honoring their warrior traditions, while others viewed military service as a path to prove their equality and loyalty to the United States. Many joined out of economic necessity, as reservations offered few opportunities for employment. Even one Native nation, the Onondaga of the Iroquois Confederacy, took the extraordinary step of independently declaring war on Germany.

Fighting for Their Homeland

Fighting for Their Homeland
Image Credit: The Great War

For Native Americans, the decision to fight was deeply tied to a sense of protecting their ancestral lands. Despite their historical grievances, many felt that the land, and the bones of their ancestors buried there, were worth defending. This profound connection to the land helped drive their participation in the war, creating a complex dynamic where they were fighting both for a homeland they cherished and for a government that had consistently wronged them.

Language as an Unbreakable Code

Language as an Unbreakable Code
Image Credit: Great Big Story

One of the most fascinating contributions of Native Americans to the war effort was the use of their languages. At a time when German forces were adept at intercepting and breaking Allied codes, Native American soldiers unintentionally provided an uncrackable solution. In one instance, Choctaw soldiers speaking their native language were overheard by an officer who realized that the Germans would have no way of understanding their words. These soldiers began transmitting battlefield messages using their language, with other tribes such as the Sioux and Cheyenne later adopting the practice.

Unlike traditional codes, Native languages lacked specific military terminology. Soldiers improvised, using words like “bad air” to mean poison gas, “turtles” for tanks, and “birds” for airplanes. This linguistic ingenuity had a significant impact on the war, with captured German soldiers later admitting they were unable to decipher this “last code.”

Respect Abroad, Discrimination at Home

Respect Abroad, Discrimination at Home
Image Credit: Great Big Story

On the battlefields of Europe, Native American soldiers earned the respect of their comrades. Overseas, they faced less discrimination than they did in the United States, which offered a stark contrast to the treatment they were accustomed to back home. Upon returning, however, many were met with the same injustices they had left behind. Yet, their service became a catalyst for change, sparking movements for civil rights within Native communities.

A Path to Citizenship

A Path to Citizenship
Image Credit: Great Big Story

The extreme patriotism displayed by Native Americans during the war did not go unnoticed. Their sacrifices ultimately played a role in shaping public opinion and influencing government policy. In 1924, just a few years after the war ended, Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act, granting citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. This milestone marked a turning point, though it did not immediately resolve the systemic issues they faced.

Warrior Traditions in a New Era

Warrior Traditions in a New Era
Image Credit: Hollywood Home Entertainment

For many Native Americans, the war was a way to honor their warrior traditions in a modern context. While their ancestors had fought to protect their tribes and territories, this new form of combat allowed them to continue that legacy, even under drastically different circumstances. Their participation demonstrated that the spirit of their cultures was not extinguished, despite centuries of efforts to suppress it.

A Forgotten Chapter

A Forgotten Chapter
Image Credit: Hollywood Home Entertainment

Despite their significant contributions, the role of Native Americans in World War I remains largely overlooked in mainstream history. Their stories are seldom included in textbooks, leaving many unaware of the impact they had on the war effort. Yet, their contributions were undeniable, from their innovative use of language to their unwavering bravery in battle.

Why Their Story Matters

Why Their Story Matters
Image Credit: Hollywood Home Entertainment

The story of Native Americans in World War I is a reminder of the complexities of patriotism and identity. Fighting for a nation that had taken so much from them, they showed extraordinary resilience and courage. Their service underscores a broader truth about their history: even in the face of oppression, Native Americans have continually found ways to contribute, adapt, and thrive.

Lingering Lessons

Lingering Lessons
Image Credit: Hollywood Home Entertainment

The lessons from this chapter of history remain relevant today. It challenges us to reflect on how we treat marginalized communities and recognize the value they bring to society. The contributions of Native Americans during World War I are not just a testament to their patriotism but also a call to ensure that their sacrifices are remembered and honored.

A Legacy of Strength

A Legacy of Strength
Image Credit: Hollywood Home Entertainment

World War I was a turning point for Native Americans, not just in terms of their rights but also in reaffirming their place in the history of the United States. Their bravery, ingenuity, and determination to protect their homeland leave an enduring legacy. It’s a story of resilience that deserves to be told and celebrated, ensuring that their voices are never forgotten in the broader narrative of American history.