Wounded Knee Massacre

Definition

The Wounded Knee Massacre refers to the tragic event that occurred on December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army troops killed around 300 Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This massacre is a significant representation of the violent suppression of Native American resistance and is deeply connected to the broader context of federal Indian policy during the late 19th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wounded Knee Massacre marked the end of the Indian Wars and is often viewed as a symbol of the brutal treatment of Native Americans by the U.S. government.
2. The incident was precipitated by rising tensions due to the Ghost Dance movement, which many officials believed incited violence among Native Americans.
3. Soldiers from the 7th Cavalry surrounded a group of Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek, leading to a chaotic confrontation that resulted in mass killings.
4. The aftermath of the massacre included widespread condemnation and led to a reevaluation of U.S. Indian policy and attitudes towards Native Americans.
5. Commemoration events and memorials have been established to honor the victims and acknowledge the tragic history surrounding the massacre.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre illustrate the tensions between Native Americans and federal policies during that time?
  • The events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre were fueled by increasing tensions stemming from U.S. government policies aimed at assimilating Native Americans. The rise of the Ghost Dance movement was perceived as a direct threat to federal authority, causing anxiety among officials who feared it would incite violence. This context highlights how federal policies often led to conflict, ultimately resulting in tragic outcomes such as the massacre.
• Discuss the implications of the Wounded Knee Massacre on future federal Indian policy and Native American relations.
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre had significant implications for federal Indian policy as it marked a turning point in how Native American issues were addressed. Following this event, there was growing awareness and criticism of U.S. treatment of Native Americans, leading to calls for reform. The massacre also deepened distrust between Native American communities and the federal government, influencing future interactions and policies aimed at reconciliation.
• Evaluate how the legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre continues to affect contemporary discussions around Indigenous rights and sovereignty in the United States.
  • The legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre remains a critical touchstone in contemporary discussions about Indigenous rights and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of historical injustices that have shaped Native American experiences and ongoing struggles for recognition and autonomy. As communities continue to advocate for their rights, this tragic event underscores the importance of addressing historical grievances and fostering dialogues about reparative justice and self-determination in today's society.

Related terms

Dawes Act:

A federal law enacted in 1887 aimed at assimilating Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and granting U.S. citizenship.

Ghost Dance: A spiritual movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that aimed to restore traditional ways of life and bring about a renewal of their societies, seen as a threat by the U.S. government.

Reservation System: A policy that designated specific areas for Native American tribes to live on, often resulting in the loss of their ancestral lands and cultures.