What was the goal of the Ghost Dance among Native Americans?

The goal of the Ghost Dance among Native Americans was to spiritually resist U.S. oppression and regain ancestral lands. This movement emerged in the late 19th century, particularly among the Plains tribes, following the devastating impacts of colonization and loss of land. The Ghost Dance was a religious revival that aimed to restore the traditional way of life and bring about the return of the dead ancestors, who would help the living in overcoming the struggles they faced due to U.S. expansion and military actions.

The rituals and dances were believed to invoke spiritual power that would protect Native peoples from harm and ultimately restore their lands. This demonstrated not only a reaction to the oppressive conditions imposed by the U.S. government but also a strong desire to reclaim a sense of identity and agency amidst a rapidly changing environment. The tragic culmination of the Ghost Dance movement was the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, which illustrated the intense conflicts between Native Americans and U.S. authorities during this period.

Other choices, while they may reflect other aspects of Native American experiences, do not capture the essence of the Ghost Dance, which focused fundamentally on spiritual resistance and the hope of land restoration.