Forms of Resistance
WORLD HISTORY AP/ LESSON 4.6ACTIVITYFORMS OF RESISTANCEUnless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Forms of Resistance”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/1PurposeIndigenous groups in the Americas responded to Spanish colonization in different ways—some collaborated, others adapted religiously or culturally, and many resisted through both nonviolent and violent means. In this activity, you’ll analyze historical events and place them on a spectrum to evaluate which strategies were most effective.Process1.Review the categories we’ll be applying to Indigenous resistance strategies:•Collaboration: Working with the European colonizers to maintain power, gain advantage, or ensure survival.•Adaptation: Blending Indigenous and European traditions in an attempt to preserve cultural identity.•Nonviolent resistance: Acting in defiance in ways that did not involve direct conflict (for example: protests, maintaining traditions).•Violent resistance: Acting against European rule through physical, sometimes armed uprisings.2.Cut out the event cards. Read each card and consider the extent to which the event exemplifies collaboration, adaptation, non-violent resistance, or violent resistance. Alternatively, you can complete this part of the activity on Google slides.
WORLD HISTORY AP/ LESSON 4.6ACTIVITYFORMS OF RESISTANCE2The Virgin of Guadalupe as a syncretic figureThe worship of the Virgin of Guadalupe blended Indigenous traditions with Catholic beliefs, allowing Indigenous converts to see her as both a Christian and Indigenous protector.Destruction of Spanish religious symbols during revoltsSome Indigenous groups destroyed churches and Christian imagery as an act of defiance, particularly during moments of broader resistance against Spanish rule.Some Indigenous leaders converted to Christianity for political gainLeaders like Ixtlilxochitl II of Texcoco converted to Catholicism and forced their people to do the same, using religion to secure favor with Spanish authorities.Keeping Indigenous gods alongside Christian figuresMany Indigenous people placed statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary next to their own gods, resisting full conversion by maintaining their original spiritual traditions.Siege of Santa FeAfter revolting, Pueblo warriors surrounded Santa Fe and cut off the Spanish water supply, effectively besieging the city and forcing the Spanish to flee.Some Pueblo villages hesitated to join the revoltSome Pueblo communities had previously attempted smaller revolts but received no support. As a result, some villages were reluctant to join the 1680 uprising, waiting to see if others would revolt first.
WORLD HISTORY AP/ LESSON 4.6ACTIVITYFORMS OF RESISTANCE33.Place the event cards on the spectrum.4.Which type(s) of strategies had the most immediate impact?CollaborationAdaptationNon-Violent ResistanceViolent Resistance
WORLD HISTORY AP/ LESSON 4.6ACTIVITYFORMS OF RESISTANCE45.Which type(s) of strategies were most sustainable in the long run?6.If you were an Indigenous leader, which type(s) of strategies would you have used to resist Spanish colonization? Explain your choice.