Wounded Knee Massacre

Definition

The killing of approximately 150-300 Lakota Indians by U.S. Army troops in the area of Wounded Knee Creek in southwestern South Dakota on December 29, 1890.

Analogy

Imagine being at a peaceful protest that suddenly turns violent when police unexpectedly open fire - this is akin to what happened at the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Related terms

Sitting Bull: A Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. He was killed shortly before the Wounded Knee Massacre.

7th Cavalry Regiment: The same regiment involved in Custer's Last Stand was also responsible for the violence at Wounded Knee.

Indian Reorganization Act (1934): An act passed by Congress aimed at reversing some of the assimilation policies enacted previously like Dawes Act. It came too late for those lost in events like the Wounded Knee Massacre but represented a shift towards recognizing Native American rights and sovereignty.