Myth of the Vanishing Race

In this lesson, students will analyze photographs and documents related to American Indian assimilation through education. By examining these primary sources, students will understand how assimilation through education contributed to the myth of the vanishing race, as well as the importance of incorporating multiple viewpoints into research. Then, students will examine the work of two photographers of American Indians, Edward Curtis and Adam Clark Vroman, to understand how photography contributed to the myth of the vanishing race.

Weblink address (URL): 
Myth of the Vanishing Race
Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

The learner will:

  • Analyze primary sources to understand a specific viewpoint
  • Construct a narrative based on primary sources
  • Analyze photographs to understand intended purpose
Essential and guiding questions: 

What is the myth of the vanishing race and how was this myth perpetuated?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Print out a copy of the Cartoon Analysis Guide for each student to help them analyze political cartoons. Then, show the students the following cartoons:

  • The Indian tepee. Then and now [c.1908, see right]
  • Educating the Indians--a female pupil of the government school at Carlisle visits her home at Pine Ridge Agency [1884] 

How do the cartoons illustrate the myth of the vanishing race and the U.S. government’s policy of forced assimilation? 

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS & RESOURCES:
Included here:

  • Lesson plan, pp. 1-5
  • Background Information sheet on Adam Clark Vroman and Edward Curtis, p. 6
  • Excerpts from “The Myth of the Vanishing Race,” by David R. M. Beck (full essay available here), pp. 7-8
  • Primary Source Set 1 with accompanying worksheet, pp. 9-10
  • Primary Source Set 2 with accompanying worksheet, pp. 11-12

Available by links:

  • “The Myth of the Vanishing Race: Adam Clark Vroman, Edward Curtis & The American Indian” PowerPoint
  • Primary Source Analysis Tool
  • Teacher's Guide, Analyzing Photographs & Prints