Wounded Knee Massacre

Definition

The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic and violent event that took place on December 29, 1890, where U.S. troops killed over 250 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This event marked the end of armed resistance by Native Americans against U.S. government policies and is often seen as a symbol of the broader struggles faced by Indigenous peoples during the era of westward expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred during the aftermath of the Ghost Dance movement, which was perceived as a threat by U.S. authorities fearing renewed resistance from Native Americans.
2. The massacre took place when U.S. troops attempted to disarm a group of Lakota Sioux, leading to chaos and violence that resulted in significant casualties.
3. The event symbolized the brutal end of Native American resistance in the Great Plains and highlighted the tragic consequences of U.S. policies toward Indigenous populations.
4. The aftermath of the massacre led to widespread condemnation and was pivotal in changing public perceptions about U.S. treatment of Native Americans.
5. Wounded Knee is often regarded as one of the final major conflicts between Native Americans and U.S. government forces, marking a significant turning point in American history.

Review Questions

• How did the Wounded Knee Massacre reflect the tensions between Native Americans and U.S. government policies during westward expansion?
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre highlighted the extreme tensions resulting from aggressive U.S. policies towards Native Americans, particularly as settlers moved westward and encroached on Indigenous lands. It occurred in a climate where Indigenous practices like the Ghost Dance were seen as dangerous by authorities, prompting fears of rebellion. The violent suppression at Wounded Knee illustrated how far the government would go to maintain control and eliminate any perceived threats to their expansionist agenda.
• Discuss the impact of the Wounded Knee Massacre on Native American communities and their future relations with the U.S. government.
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre had a profound and lasting impact on Native American communities, marking not just a physical loss but also a deep psychological blow to their culture and spirit. It represented a tragic culmination of decades of conflict, leading to a sense of disillusionment among many Indigenous peoples regarding treaties and promises made by the U.S. government. This event ultimately strained relations further, fostering distrust that would influence future interactions between Native communities and federal authorities.
• Evaluate how the historical narrative around events like the Wounded Knee Massacre has evolved over time and its significance in contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights.
  • The historical narrative surrounding events like the Wounded Knee Massacre has evolved significantly, shifting from one that often justified U.S. actions to a critical examination of colonial violence against Indigenous peoples. In contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights, this massacre is viewed not just as an isolated incident but as part of a broader context of oppression faced by Native communities. This evolution underscores the importance of acknowledging historical injustices in order to address current disparities and foster reconciliation efforts between Indigenous peoples and the government.

Related terms

Indian Removal Act:

A law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to designated Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River.

Ghost Dance:

A religious movement among Native Americans that emerged in the late 19th century, promoting a vision of peace and the restoration of Native lands through spiritual rituals, which alarmed U.S. authorities.

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1868 treaty between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes, which guaranteed certain lands to the tribes and sought to establish peace between settlers and Indigenous peoples.