Exam 31: The Course of Empire: Expansion and Conflict in America

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The events that led up to the Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota on December 29, 1890, were rooted in the long-standing tensions between the United States government and the Native American tribes. The U.S. government had been implementing policies to forcibly assimilate Native Americans into white society, including the establishment of reservations and the suppression of traditional cultural practices. This led to widespread poverty, disease, and loss of land for many Native American tribes.

In the case of the Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee, tensions were further exacerbated by the spread of the Ghost Dance movement, a spiritual revival movement that promised the return of the buffalo and the restoration of traditional ways of life. The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat and sought to suppress it, leading to increased military presence in the region.

On the day of the massacre, a detachment of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment arrived at Wounded Knee Creek to disarm the Lakota Sioux. Tensions quickly escalated, and a shot was fired, leading to a chaotic and violent confrontation. In the ensuing chaos, hundreds of Lakota Sioux men, women, and children were killed, and many more were wounded.

The Wounded Knee Massacre had far-reaching consequences for both the Native American tribes and the U.S. government. It marked the end of armed resistance by Native American tribes and the closing chapter of the Indian Wars. The massacre also sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, leading to increased awareness of the mistreatment of Native Americans and the need for reform in U.S. government policies towards indigenous peoples.

In conclusion, the events that led up to and resulted from the Wounded Knee Massacre were a tragic culmination of years of oppression, cultural suppression, and misunderstandings between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes. The massacre served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of colonization and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition for indigenous peoples.