What was the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The Wounded Knee Massacre was the slaughter of over 250 Native Americans of the Sioux nation on 29 December 1890 by the Seventh Cavalry of the US Army.

Where did the Wounded Knee Massacre take place?

The Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890 took place at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota.

What caused the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The Wounded Knee Massacre was caused by rising tensions among US authorities over the Native American practice of the Ghost Dance, which was interpreted as a prelude to war.

What were the casualties of the Wounded Knee Massacre?

Casualties of the Wounded Knee Massacre numbered between 250-300 mostly unarmed Sioux killed and 25 U.S. Cavalrymen killed, most of the latter by friendly fire.

Wounded Knee Massacre Timeline

Definition

The Wounded Knee Massacre of 29 December 1890 was the slaughter of over 250 Native Americans, mostly of the Miniconjou people of the Lakota Sioux nation, by the US military at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. Although the US government defined the event as a "battle", most of the Native Americans were ill, unarmed, and women and children.

More about: Wounded Knee Massacre

Timeline

1869 - c. 1872
Paiute Prophet Wodziwob preaches the vision of the Ghost Dance.
1889
The Ghost Dance movement gains adherents; Sitting Bull supports but does not participate.
1889
Paiute Prophet Wovoka starts to popularize the vision of the Ghost Dance.
1889 - 1890
Many Plains Indian nations embrace the Ghost Dance; US authorities interpret this as prelude to war.
c. 1890 - c. 1914
The Ghost Dance continues to be practiced by Plains Indians Nations.
15 Dec 1890
Sitting Bull is killed while allegedly resisting arrest at Standing Rock Agency Reservation.
29 Dec 1890
Wounded Knee Massacre triggered by tensions surrounding The Ghost Dance.