Wounded Knee Massacre

The Massacre of Wounded Knee is the deadliest mass shooting in the history of America. Known at first as the Battle of Wounded Knee, over 200 men, women, and children of the Lakota Sioux were killed.

The Conflict

Prelude

The various tribes of America had been oppressed by the federal government in numerous ways. For the Lakota Sioux in what would become South Dakota, the tribes were forced to abandon their nomadic lifestyle as the bison, being their primary source of food, became increasingly scarce. This was enforced and in many ways caused by the encroachment of the army.
The Lakota people were forced onto tribes, where their main source of sustenance came from army rations. The quality and quantity of rations were often dictated by corrupt politicians and army officers, and often times the Lakota's rations would be late or absent.

Deployment

A Lakota prophet, Wovoka, foresaw the end of American encroachment on Native lands, and called for the tribes to unite in a massive Ghost Dance. The American officials in charge of the reservations feared the Ghost Dance would encourage insurrections. They called for military aid, and the 7th Cavalry was sent to intercept. The 7th Cavalry discovered a large group of Lakota Sioux in bound for the Ghost Dance meeting, and escorted them to Wounded Knee Creek, ordering them to make camp.

The Engagement

When the Lakota woke the next morning, they wound the entire 7th Cavalry, around 500 men, encircling them. The Cavalry ordered the Lakota to surrender their weapons, and were forced to hand over everything from muskets to cooking utensils. During the confiscation, a scuffle occurred, and shots were fired. Lakota who still retained their weapons shot back, only to be killed. In the end, almost 300 Lakota people were killed, women and children among them, while the 7th Cavalry lost 30 men, mostly due to friendly fire.

Outcome

The massacre caused much dissent from the Lakota people for decades. An uprising ensued, which saw further seizure of Native land.

Aftermath

When the government of America recieved news of the massacre, the initial response was to blame the incident on the Lakota people. Though King Edward II had previously been supportive of Native rights, he condemned the actions of the tribes. Later, the American army awarded decorations to the soldiers involved, including 19 Medals of Valor. The commander was inducted into the Order of Louis Ferdinand and was knighted.

Conflict Type

Skirmish

Start Date

1890