Beliefs

• Plains Indians' beliefs about nature and property, and their attitudes to war, were very different from those of white Americans at that time.
• Beliefs about nature

  • Everything in nature has a spirit and these spirits could help or harm humans.
  • Humans are part of nature and should work with nature, rather than try to control it.
  • The spirit world can be contacted through visions and special ritual dances.
• Beliefs about land and property

  • Plains Indian tribes had sacred areas. The Black Hills of South Dakota, for example, was the most sacred place of the Lakota Sioux.
  • For Plains Indians, land was not property, and could not be bought and sold.
• Attitudes to war

  • Plains Indians avoided too much killing. Young men were essential to each tribe's survival. Warriors would retreat if the fight turned against them.
  • The highest respect was given to warriors for counting coup: landing a blow on an enemy and getting away without being injured.
• Why was counting coup a respected practice in Plains Indian society?

  Counting coup meant that young warriors came back alive. They could support their tribe and fight again.
• Consequences and conflict

  White Americans had very different views on nature, land and war, leading to tension and conflict through the 1800s.

  • Instead of a nomadic way of life which was adapted to nature, white settlers used agriculture and buildings to put down firm roots on the land.
  • White settlers viewed land as property. They bought, sold and protected their own land.
  • The US Army did not use the "counting coup" as a way of fighting. They were used to fighting an enemy to the last man and inflicting as many casualties as possible.
• Key Facts

  • Plains Indians believed that nature was not to be conquered but respected.
  • Plains Indians believed land was not to be bought and sold, and that certain land was sacred.
  • Plains Indians believed in survival over glory, and took honour in returning home after a battle.