key term - Major John M. Chivington

Definition

Major John M. Chivington was a Union officer during the American Civil War, most notably remembered for his leadership in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864. His actions at Sand Creek, where Colorado militia attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho village, ignited national outrage and significantly impacted relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, especially in the context of the Civil War's implications in New Mexico.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivington was a Methodist minister before becoming a military leader, which adds complexity to his character as he led violent campaigns against Native Americans.
2. His actions at Sand Creek were justified by him as necessary for the safety of white settlers, but they were widely condemned after the truth of the massacre became public.
3. Chivington's brigade was part of the Union Army that participated in various campaigns, including efforts to secure control in New Mexico during the Civil War.
4. Following the massacre, there were investigations into Chivington's conduct, but he faced little to no punishment for his role in the incident.
5. The Sand Creek Massacre has since been recognized as a dark chapter in American history, influencing future U.S. policies toward Native Americans.

Review Questions

• What were Major John M. Chivington's motivations for leading the attack on the Cheyenne and Arapaho village, and how did these motivations reflect broader attitudes toward Native Americans during the Civil War?
  • Chivington justified his actions at Sand Creek by claiming they were necessary for the protection of white settlers amidst fears of Native American aggression. His motivations reflect a pervasive attitude during the Civil War era that often viewed Native Americans as obstacles to progress and settlement. This mindset contributed to brutal military actions against tribes who were seen as threats, reinforcing a narrative that prioritized settler safety over the rights and lives of Indigenous peoples.
• How did the events at Sand Creek under Chivington's command affect public perception of Union forces and their treatment of Native Americans during the Civil War?
  • The Sand Creek Massacre drastically shifted public perception regarding Union forces as news of the brutal attack spread. While some initially supported Chivington's actions as protective measures for settlers, widespread outrage followed as details emerged about the targeting of unarmed civilians. This led to increased scrutiny of military policies toward Native Americans, ultimately challenging the narrative of moral superiority that Union forces sought to maintain during the Civil War.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Major John M. Chivington's actions at Sand Creek for U.S.-Native American relations in subsequent decades.
  • Chivington's actions at Sand Creek had profound long-term implications for U.S.-Native American relations, establishing a legacy of distrust and violence that would influence interactions for generations. The massacre highlighted systemic injustices faced by Native Americans, leading to further conflicts known as the Indian Wars. It contributed to an ongoing cycle of violence and broken treaties as settlers expanded westward, shaping federal policies that would marginalize Indigenous populations throughout American history.

Related terms

Sand Creek Massacre: An attack on a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes by Colorado U.S. Volunteer Cavalry under Chivington's command, resulting in the deaths of over 150 Native Americans.

Civil War:

A conflict from 1861 to 1865 between Northern states (the Union) and Southern states (the Confederacy), which also had significant repercussions for Native American populations and territories.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between European settlers or the U.S. government and Native American tribes in the late 19th century as the U.S. expanded westward.