Skip to main content

Why the US Army tried to exterminate the bison

1,609,075 Views

585 Questions Answered

Best of Web

Let’s Begin…

In the mid-1800s, a cultural belief known as “manifest destiny” dictated that white settlers were the rightful owners of the entire North American continent. In order to clear the land for white settlers, the US Army engaged in violent scorched-earth tactics against the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. One big part of that campaign: bison. Vox digs into the animal’s near-extinction.

How did the creation of Yellowstone National Park help reframe the US Army as saviors of the bison?

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Best of Web

TED-Ed Best of Web are exceptional, user-created lessons that are carefully selected by volunteer teachers and TED-Ed staff.

Meet The Creators

More from The World's People and Places