What did Kit Carson do in response to Carleton's orders to kill Navajo men?

Prepare for the New Mexico History Test with quizzes including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct answer highlights Kit Carson's moral stance in the face of controversial orders given by General Christopher "Kit" Carleton. When Carleton ordered actions against the Navajo people, Carson chose to disobey these orders, demonstrating his complex relationship with both the military leadership and the indigenous populations. His decision to not follow through with these violent instructions reflects a prioritization of ethical considerations over military obedience.

Carson, known for his role as a frontiersman and Indian agent, often struggled with the harsh realities of conflict between settlers and Native Americans. By disobeying Carleton's orders, he showed a degree of agency and conscience that many military leaders in his time may not have exhibited. This act is significant not only in understanding Carson's character but also in the broader context of the Indian Wars and the actions taken by government officials during this tumultuous period in New Mexico's history.

Other choices present interpretations that do not align with Carson's historical actions or character. The notion of him carrying out orders in a flamboyant manner, issuing commands to his men to follow through with violence, or cultivating increased admiration for Carleton fails to capture the essence of Carson's actions and beliefs during this period. His decision to resist violent orders aligns with

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