Question

Document 2:

Meriwether Lewis's Speech to the Otoe (August 4th 1804) Children. I have been sent by the great Chief of the Seventeen great nations of America, we have come to inform you... that a great council was lately held between this great chief of the Seventeen great nations of America, and your old fathers the French and Spanlards, and that in this great council it was agreed that all the red men (Natives) of Louisiana, inhabiting the waters of the Missouri and Mississippi should obey the commands of this great chief of America: he has accordingly adopted them as his children and they now form one common family with us... Children. From what has been said, you will readily perceive, that the great chief of the seventeen great nations of America, has become your only father, he is the only father, he is the only friend to whom you can now look for protection, or from whom you can ask favors, or receive good councils and he will take care that you shall have no just cause to regret this change; he will serve you, and not deceive you...Injure not the persons of any traders who may come among you. neither destroy nor take their property from them by force; more particularly those traders who visit you under the protection of your great father's flag. Do not obstruct the passage of any boat, ship, or other vessel which may be ascending or descending the Missouri River... Children. Do these things which your great father advises and be happy. Avoid the councils of bad birds; turn on your heel from them as you would from the cliff of a high rock, whose summit reached the clouds, and whose base was washed by the waters of human woes; lest by one false step you should bring upon your nation the displeasure of your great father, the great chief of the seventeen great nations of America, who could consume you as the fire consumes the grass of the plains. The mouths of all the rivers through which the traders bring goods to you are in his possession, and if you displease him he could at pleasure shut them up and prevent his traders from coming among you, but it is not the wish of your great father to injure you, on the contrary he is now pursuing the measures best calculated to insure your happiness…


Question
Analysis: Many historians describe the American relationship to Native Americans as "paternalistic", meaning that America was the "father of the Native Americans, who were "children" that we had to civilize and teach modern ways to. Does Captain Lewis seem to express this viewpoint? Cite evidence from the text to support your claims.

Answer 1

Captain Lewis does express a paternalistic viewpoint towards Native Americans in his speech to the Otoe tribe, referring to them as 'children' and presenting the United States as their 'great father'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, Captain Lewis expresses the viewpoint of Native Americans as the 'children' to be civilized and guided by the United States. In his speech to the Otoe, he refers to the Native Americans as children multiple times and presents the United States as their 'great father' who will provide protection, good counsel, and serve their best interests.

He also emphasizes the need to obey the commands of the 'great chief of America' and not to oppose or harm traders who visit under the protection of the United States.