40.9k views
0 votes
How did the Pueblo people's resistance during the revolt reflect a broader struggle for the protection of indigenous languages and oral traditions?

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The Pueblo Revolt reflected a broader struggle to protect indigenous languages and traditions against Spanish forced assimilation, leading to temporary autonomy and influencing more tolerant Spanish policies upon their return.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pueblo people's resistance during the 1680 revolt was not just a fight against Spanish colonial rule but also a broader struggle for the protection of their indigenous languages and oral traditions. As the Spanish sought complete conversion to Catholicism and pushed for the abandonment of native practices, particularly targeting the youth and their education, the Pueblo people fought back by insisting on the importance of their own spiritual practices and ways of life. The revolt allowed them a period of nearly twelve years without Spanish interference during which they sought to reestablish and preserve their cultural autonomy.

After the Spanish reassertion of control in 1692, more tolerant policies emerged, including granting land and allowing some cultural practices to persist. This shift implied a subtle recognition of the importance of indigenous identities, reflected in a less aggressive approach toward native languages and traditions. Nonetheless, the insidious pressures of assimilation continued well into the future, as evidenced by the general American attitude towards Native American languages and cultures that persisted into the 20th century. It wasn't until later efforts for revival and increased awareness that genuine steps were taken towards language and cultural preservation, leading to the modern initiatives for language recovery and revitalization that are crucial to maintaining tribal identity.

User Thomas Kelley
by
9.0k points