Wounded Knee Incident

Definition

The Wounded Knee Incident refers to the tragic confrontation on December 29, 1890, between the U.S. Army and the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Native Americans, including women and children. This event symbolized the violent suppression of Native American rights and marked a significant moment in the broader context of Red Power activism, as it highlighted the struggle for Native American sovereignty and justice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wounded Knee Incident began when U.S. troops attempted to disarm the Lakota Sioux, leading to a chaotic exchange of gunfire.
2. Estimates suggest that around 300 Lakota Sioux were killed during the massacre, with many more injured, making it one of the deadliest encounters between Native Americans and U.S. forces.
3. The incident was initially reported as a victory for the U.S. Army, but it quickly drew national attention and condemnation for its brutality.
4. The legacy of Wounded Knee has been pivotal in shaping modern Native American rights movements, influencing activism and advocacy for justice.
5. Commemorations and protests continue at the site of Wounded Knee today, reflecting ongoing struggles for recognition and reparations for Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the Wounded Knee Incident reflect broader themes of Native American resistance against U.S. policies?
  • The Wounded Knee Incident exemplified the intense conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government regarding sovereignty and rights. It highlighted how federal policies often led to violence and oppression against Indigenous peoples, pushing them to resist militarily or through activism. The incident became a rallying point for future movements advocating for Native American rights and autonomy.
• Discuss the immediate aftermath of the Wounded Knee Incident and its implications for Native American policy in the following decades.
  • Following the Wounded Knee Incident, there was a shift in public perception regarding U.S. policies towards Native Americans. The brutal nature of the massacre caused outrage among many citizens and fueled calls for reform. This laid the groundwork for subsequent legislation like the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934, which aimed to restore some self-governance to tribes and reverse previous assimilation policies.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Wounded Knee Incident on Red Power activism and contemporary Native American rights movements.
  • The Wounded Knee Incident had a profound impact on Red Power activism by serving as a historical symbol of Indigenous resistance against oppression. Activists in the late 20th century invoked this event to draw attention to ongoing injustices faced by Native Americans, framing their struggles as part of a larger continuum of resistance. The legacy of Wounded Knee continues to inspire current movements seeking social justice, environmental protection, and treaty rights for Indigenous communities today.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act:

A 1934 law aimed at increasing Native American self-governance and reversing some aspects of assimilation policies enacted by the federal government.

American Indian Movement (AIM):

A civil rights organization founded in 1968 that sought to address issues such as poverty, discrimination, and treaty rights for Native Americans.

Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of Native American nations from their ancestral homelands during the 1830s, resulting in significant suffering and loss of life.