Nomadic: GCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

Published

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2 minutes

What Does Nomadic Mean?

In GCSE History, nomadic means moving from one place to another rather than living in one place all the time. Many Indigenous tribes lived a nomadic lifestyle, which caused conflict with white settlers.

How were the Indigenous Peoples of America Nomadic?

Most Indigenous tribes lived nomadically because they followed the buffalo's migration. Many tribes depended on the buffalo for all of the resources needed to survive on the Plains. The nomadic lifestyle is also linked to many tribes' beliefs about land ownership. Many Indigenous people did not settle on land because they believed that land could be owned or sold. Tribes like the Sioux believed in the 'Wakan Tanka' or 'Great Spirit' who had gifted the land and nature to the tribe.

How Did Being Nomadic Cause Conflict?

The Indigenous people's nomadic lifestyle caused conflict with the white settlers. How white settlers wanted to use the Plains was a significant cultural difference to the many Indigenous tribes. The use of treaties, reservations and assimilation ended their nomadic lifestyles.

Nomadic Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where nomadic fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources

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Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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