Wounded Knee Massacre
Background and Context
The Wounded Knee Massacre, occurring on December 29, 1890, stands as a pivotal and tragic event in the history of Native American and United States relations. It took place near Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This massacre marked the culmination of the U.S. government's efforts to suppress the Ghost Dance, a spiritual movement among the Lakota that was perceived as a threat by the authorities.
The Ghost Dance was a religious revitalization campaign that spread among Native American tribes in the late 19th century. It promised the restoration of their lands and way of life, which had been severely disrupted by European-American expansion. The movement was founded by the Paiute prophet Wovoka, who envisioned a future where Native Americans would live in harmony with the settlers, and the buffalo would return.
Prelude to the Massacre
Tensions escalated in the late 1880s as the U.S. government sought to confine Native American tribes to reservations, drastically reducing their landholdings and imposing policies aimed at assimilation. The Dawes Act of 1887 played a significant role in this process, allotting individual plots of land to Native Americans and selling the surplus to settlers. This policy undermined traditional communal living and led to widespread poverty and discontent among the tribes.
The Standing Rock Reservation became a focal point of tension when the revered Lakota leader, Sitting Bull, was killed during an arrest attempt on December 15, 1890. His death further inflamed the situation, leading many Lakota to flee to the Pine Ridge Reservation, seeking the protection of Chief Big Foot.
The Massacre
On December 28, 1890, the U.S. 7th Cavalry intercepted Chief Big Foot's band of approximately 350 Lakota, including women and children, near Wounded Knee Creek. The following morning, as the soldiers attempted to disarm the Lakota, a scuffle broke out, and a shot was fired. The exact origin of the shot remains unclear, but it triggered a chaotic and brutal assault.
The cavalry, equipped with Hotchkiss guns, opened fire on the encampment, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 150 to 300 Lakota. The soldiers pursued those who attempted to flee, and many were killed in the surrounding area. The massacre was indiscriminate, affecting men, women, and children alike.
Aftermath and Impact
The Wounded Knee Massacre effectively ended the Ghost Dance Movement and marked a significant turning point in Native American history. It symbolized the culmination of the U.S. government's efforts to subjugate Native American tribes and assimilate them into American society. The massacre was widely condemned, yet 20 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the event, a decision that remains controversial.
The massacre had profound effects on the Lakota and other Native American tribes, leading to a deep sense of loss and trauma. It also galvanized public opinion, leading to increased scrutiny of U.S. Indian policy and eventually contributing to reforms in the 20th century, such as the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which sought to restore some degree of self-governance to Native American tribes.
Legacy and Commemoration
The Wounded Knee Massacre is remembered as a symbol of the injustices faced by Native Americans and the violent suppression of their cultural and spiritual practices. In 1973, the site of the massacre became the focal point of a 71-day standoff between members of the American Indian Movement and federal authorities, highlighting ongoing grievances and demands for justice and recognition.
Efforts to commemorate the massacre include annual memorials and educational initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of the victims and promoting awareness of Native American history. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and there have been calls for the revocation of the Medals of Honor awarded to the soldiers involved.