Sitting Bull's Death and Aftermath:
- Sitting Bull, the renowned Sioux leader, was killed in a chaotic confrontation where his own son played a pivotal role by challenging his father's decision to surrender.
- The death of Sitting Bull marked the end of an era for the Lakota people, with some feeling relieved while others mourned the loss of their symbol of authenticity and integrity.
- Following Sitting Bull's death, his followers fled to Chief Bigfoot's village on the Cheyenne River, seeking refuge but eventually deciding to head towards the Pine Ridge Reservation out of fear of being trapped at a fort.
- General Miles ordered Bigfoot's camp to be brought in under military escort, but they slipped away and embarked on a journey across the plains due to suspicions about being led into a trap.
Wounded Knee Massacre:
- On December 29th, 1890, U.S. soldiers confronted Chief Bigfoot's group at Wounded Knee Creek, resulting in a tragic massacre that claimed hundreds of lives.
- The events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre involved Chief Bigfoot's camp evading military escort and heading towards Pine Ridge Reservation for safety.
- General Miles viewed this movement as suspicious and ordered troops to intercept them near Wounded Knee Creek.
- The massacre at Wounded Knee is considered one of the darkest chapters in Native American history, marking the brutal end of resistance against U.S. expansionism and cultural assimilation efforts.
Massacre at Wounded Knee:
- The massacre occurred on December 29 in the South Dakota and Nebraska borderlands, where Bigfoot's people were found by troops.
- Troops made camp at Wounded Knee Creek, leading to a tragic chain of events culminating in a barbaric massacre. On the 28th of December, scouts spotted Bigfoot's people who were hungry, ill, and seeking refuge with the army.
- Colonel Forsyth demanded their weapons, resulting in chaos as many were reluctant to surrender their guns. A struggle for a gun ensued, causing it to accidentally go off and trigger indiscriminate shooting.
- Women and children were not spared during the massacre, with soldiers firing into ravines where people sought refuge. This led to an appalling loss of life among unarmed refugees. General Miles condemned the massacre as abominable but there were no consequences for those involved.
Legacy of Native Americans:
- The story of the Lakota Sioux embodies a brief moment of power that succumbed to overwhelming numbers of settlers. Despite defeat, the Lakota culture continues to resonate today with greater salience than during the time of the massacre.
- The Native American perspective has triumphed over the victors in terms of historical understanding and sympathy within academia and popular culture. Descendants of settlers now seek to identify with displaced indigenous peoples due to recognition of the heroic quality of the Lakota people.
Impact on American History:
- Frederick Jackson Turner's analysis highlights how the Massacre at Wounded Knee marked the end of a specific period in American history. It symbolized the closure of America's first historical period through significant changes affecting native populations confined to reservations.