Wounded Knee

Definition

Wounded Knee refers to the site of two significant events in American history involving Native Americans: the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 and the Wounded Knee Incident of 1973. The massacre involved the killing of hundreds of Lakota Sioux by U.S. soldiers, marking a tragic end to the Indian Wars, while the incident in 1973 was a protest by members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) against the federal government’s policies toward Native Americans, emphasizing their ongoing struggle for rights and recognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, resulted in the deaths of around 300 Lakota Sioux, including women and children, and is considered one of the most brutal episodes in U.S. history.
2. The massacre marked the end of the Indian Wars and symbolized the U.S. government's violent efforts to suppress Native American culture and resistance.
3. In February 1973, AIM members occupied Wounded Knee to protest against the federal government's policies and to call attention to issues like poverty and treaty violations affecting Native Americans.
4. The standoff in 1973 lasted for 71 days and received national media coverage, highlighting the plight of Native Americans and their fight for civil rights.
5. The events at Wounded Knee have had lasting significance, serving as a powerful symbol in the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did the events at Wounded Knee reflect the broader struggles of Native Americans in both the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • The Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 epitomized the violent suppression of Native American cultures as settlers expanded westward, reflecting a broader pattern of displacement and oppression faced by Indigenous peoples. In contrast, the 1973 incident represented a resurgence of Native American activism through AIM, highlighting ongoing issues such as poverty, lack of representation, and broken treaties. Both events illustrate how Native Americans have continuously resisted assimilation and fought for their rights throughout history.
• Discuss the significance of the American Indian Movement's actions during the Wounded Knee Incident in 1973 and their impact on U.S. policy towards Native Americans.
  • The actions taken by AIM during the Wounded Knee Incident were significant as they brought national attention to Native American issues, such as sovereignty, treaty rights, and systemic injustices. The occupation highlighted deep frustrations within Native communities regarding federal policies that had historically marginalized them. The resulting media coverage and public interest ultimately led to increased dialogue around Indian rights and contributed to legislative changes like the Indian Self-Determination Act, which aimed to improve tribal governance.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of both Wounded Knee events on contemporary Native American movements for rights and recognition.
  • Both the Wounded Knee Massacre and the 1973 occupation are pivotal events that continue to resonate within contemporary Native American movements. They serve as powerful reminders of historical injustices and have shaped Indigenous identity, resilience, and activism today. The legacy of these events fuels ongoing advocacy for land rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination among Native communities, influencing how they engage with government policies while pushing for recognition of their sovereignty and rights in modern America.

Related terms

Ghost Dance: A spiritual movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that sought to restore their ancestral lands and way of life, often seen as a threat by the U.S. government.

American Indian Movement (AIM):

A civil rights organization founded in 1968 that advocated for the rights and sovereignty of Native Americans, particularly during the 1970s.

Indian Self-Determination Act: A 1975 law that aimed to give Native American tribes greater control over their own affairs and reduce federal oversight.