Wounded Knee Massacre

Definition

The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic event that occurred on December 29, 1890, when U.S. Army soldiers killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux men, women, and children at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This event symbolizes the violent culmination of U.S. government policies against Native Americans and highlights the tensions between Indigenous peoples and the federal government during a period marked by conflict and resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wounded Knee Massacre followed years of conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government, particularly after the Gold Rush and subsequent influx of settlers into Native lands.
2. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 Lakota Sioux, including many women and children, marking one of the deadliest incidents in U.S. history against Native Americans.
3. The event was precipitated by rising tensions surrounding the Ghost Dance movement, which sought to restore Native American way of life and predict a time of peace and abundance.
4. After the massacre, soldiers received medals for their actions, demonstrating a significant disparity in how Indigenous lives were valued compared to white settlers.
5. Wounded Knee is often referred to as 'the last battle' of the Plains Indian Wars, highlighting its importance as a turning point in U.S. policies towards Native Americans.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre reflect the social structures and tensions between Native Americans and settlers?
  • The events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre were heavily influenced by social structures that marginalized Native Americans. The U.S. government's attempts to assimilate Indigenous peoples, combined with increasing settler encroachment on their lands, created significant tensions. The Ghost Dance movement emerged as a form of resistance against these oppressive conditions, aiming to unite Native communities. Ultimately, these social dynamics set the stage for the violent confrontation at Wounded Knee.
• Analyze the role of religious beliefs in shaping the context surrounding the Wounded Knee Massacre.
  • Religious beliefs played a crucial role in shaping the context around the Wounded Knee Massacre through movements like the Ghost Dance. This spiritual revival aimed to restore Indigenous sovereignty and bring back deceased ancestors to assist in reclaiming lost lands. However, this movement was misinterpreted as a threat by U.S. authorities, leading them to act preemptively against what they perceived as an uprising. The tragic outcome highlights how deeply intertwined religious practices were with Indigenous resistance during this tumultuous period.
• Evaluate how the Wounded Knee Massacre exemplifies the broader impact of U.S. policies on Indigenous representation and rights in subsequent decades.
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre serves as a stark example of how U.S. policies systematically dismantled Indigenous rights and representation. In its aftermath, Native Americans faced increasing marginalization, which led to further loss of land and cultural identity. This event not only solidified negative stereotypes but also contributed to decades of struggle for recognition and rights among Indigenous communities. The legacy of Wounded Knee continues to influence contemporary movements advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and representation in media and politics.

Related terms

Ghost Dance:

A spiritual movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that aimed to restore Native lands and bring about a peaceful coexistence with settlers through ritualistic dances.

Plains Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between the United States and various Native American tribes in the Great Plains region from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, largely over land and resources.

Reservation System: The policy that established designated areas where Native American tribes were forced to live, often resulting in loss of land, culture, and autonomy.