The Wounded Knee Massacre, a horrific event that occurred on December 29, 1890, remains a scar on American history. It wasn’t a spontaneous outbreak of violence but rather the culmination of decades of broken treaties, cultural misunderstandings, and oppressive government policies targeting Native American tribes. Understanding the historical reasons behind this tragedy requires a deep dive into the socio-political climate of the late 19th century.
The massacre took place near Wounded Knee Creek on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. U.S. Army soldiers of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, under the command of Major Samuel M. Whitside, killed hundreds of Lakota people. While the exact number is debated, it is estimated that over 250 Native Americans, including women and children, died. Some estimates put the number closer to 300.
The Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 was intended to guarantee the Lakota ownership of the Black Hills and other lands. However, the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in the 1870s triggered a gold rush, leading to a massive influx of white settlers. The U.S. government, eager to exploit the region’s resources, violated the treaty and seized the Black Hills, a sacred area for the Lakota. This blatant disregard for treaty obligations fueled resentment and distrust among the Lakota people.
The seizure of land wasn’t just about resources; it was a deliberate attempt to undermine the Lakota’s traditional way of life. By shrinking their territory, the government aimed to force them into a more confined area, making them easier to control and assimilate.
The Ghost Dance was a religious movement that emerged among Native American tribes in the late 1880s. It promised a return to traditional ways of life, the disappearance of white settlers, and the restoration of the buffalo herds. The movement, founded by Paiute shaman Wovoka, spread rapidly among the Lakota, offering hope in a time of immense hardship and cultural disruption.
The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat, fearing it would incite rebellion. The increased spiritual fervor and gatherings of Native Americans made officials nervous, leading to increased military presence and surveillance on reservations.
The government’s fear of the Ghost Dance was amplified by misinformation and sensationalized reporting in the media. Exaggerated accounts of Native American aggression and potential uprisings fueled public anxiety and pressured the government to take decisive action. This climate of fear contributed to the overreaction that led to the Wounded Knee Massacre.
Newspapers often portrayed Native Americans as savage and uncivilized, reinforcing negative stereotypes and justifying the government’s policies of forced assimilation and removal.
Sitting Bull, a respected Lakota chief and spiritual leader, was a prominent figure in the resistance against U.S. government policies. Although he didn’t actively participate in the Ghost Dance, his influence and symbolic importance made him a target for the authorities. On December 15, 1890, Sitting Bull was killed by Indian police while being arrested, further inflaming tensions on the reservations.
Sitting Bull’s death served as a catalyst for many Lakota to flee the reservations, fearing further violence and oppression. This exodus contributed to the gathering of Lakota at Wounded Knee, where they sought refuge and protection.
The 7th Cavalry, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, had suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. The regiment’s subsequent involvement in the Wounded Knee Massacre can be seen, in part, as an attempt to restore its reputation and avenge Custer’s defeat. This desire for retribution may have contributed to the excessive force used against the Lakota at Wounded Knee.
The presence of the 7th Cavalry at Wounded Knee was a deliberate act of intimidation, intended to send a message to the Lakota and other tribes that resistance would not be tolerated. The regiment’s history of violence and aggression created a climate of fear and distrust.
The U.S. government pursued a policy of forced assimilation, aimed at stripping Native Americans of their culture and traditions and integrating them into white society. This policy included the establishment of boarding schools where Native American children were forced to abandon their languages, customs, and spiritual beliefs. The suppression of Native American culture contributed to the despair and resentment that fueled the Ghost Dance movement and ultimately led to the Wounded Knee Massacre.
The Dawes Act of 1887 further undermined Native American land ownership by dividing communal tribal lands into individual allotments. This policy aimed to break up tribal structures and encourage individual farming, but it ultimately resulted in the loss of vast amounts of Native American land to white settlers.
Following the Wounded Knee Massacre, there was little to no accountability for the soldiers involved. In fact, some soldiers were even awarded Medals of Honor for their actions, further illustrating the government’s disregard for Native American lives and rights. This lack of justice deepened the wounds of the massacre and contributed to a lasting legacy of trauma and mistrust.
The official investigations into the massacre were often biased and incomplete, failing to adequately address the excessive force used by the soldiers and the lack of provocation by the Lakota people.
On December 29, 1890, the 7th Cavalry surrounded a group of Lakota, led by Chief Spotted Elk (also known as Big Foot), at Wounded Knee Creek. The soldiers ordered the Lakota to surrender their weapons. As the Lakota were disarming, a shot rang out – the source of which remains disputed. Whether it was a Lakota warrior firing in defiance or an accidental discharge from a soldier’s rifle, the shot triggered a massacre.
The soldiers opened fire on the unarmed Lakota, including women and children. Many fled in terror, but they were pursued and gunned down. The massacre lasted for several hours, leaving hundreds of Lakota dead or wounded. The bodies were left to freeze on the ground before being buried in a mass grave.
The Wounded Knee Massacre was a devastating blow to the Lakota people and a symbol of the injustices they suffered at the hands of the U.S. government. The event marked the end of the major Indian Wars and the beginning of a new era of oppression and assimilation.
The massacre had a lasting impact on Native American identity and culture, contributing to a sense of loss, trauma, and historical grievance. It also served as a catalyst for future activism and advocacy for Native American rights.
The site of the Wounded Knee Massacre is now a National Historic Landmark, serving as a reminder of the tragedy and a place for reflection and remembrance. Efforts are ongoing to promote healing and reconciliation between Native American communities and the U.S. government.
Q: What started the Wounded Knee Massacre?
A: The Wounded Knee Massacre was triggered by a complex interplay of factors, including broken treaties, the Ghost Dance movement, fear and misinformation, the death of Sitting Bull, and the presence of the 7th Cavalry. The immediate cause was a shot fired during the disarming of the Lakota, but the underlying tensions and historical grievances created the conditions for the tragedy.
Q: How many Native Americans were killed at Wounded Knee?
A: Estimates vary, but it is believed that over 250 Native Americans, including women and children, were killed at Wounded Knee. Some estimates put the number closer to 300.
Q: Why was the Ghost Dance considered a threat?
A: The Ghost Dance was considered a threat by the U.S. government because it was seen as a potential catalyst for rebellion. The movement’s promise of a return to traditional ways of life and the disappearance of white settlers fueled fears of an uprising.
Q: What was the significance of Wounded Knee?
A: The Wounded Knee Massacre was a turning point in the history of Native American relations with the U.S. government. It marked the end of the major Indian Wars and the beginning of a new era of oppression and assimilation. The event also served as a symbol of the injustices suffered by Native Americans and a catalyst for future activism.
The Wounded Knee Massacre was a tragic event rooted in a complex history of broken treaties, cultural misunderstandings, and oppressive government policies. Understanding the historical reasons behind the massacre is essential for acknowledging the injustices suffered by Native Americans and promoting healing and reconciliation. By learning from the past, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all.
The events at Wounded Knee serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of prejudice, fear, and the abuse of power. It is a story that must be told and retold to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.
