Interpreting the Past: Wounded Knee

Sample Solution

   

The Native American experience during the late 1800s was one of great upheaval and trauma. The Wounded Knee Massacre and the creation of Native American boarding schools were two of the most significant events of this period, and they had a profound impact on Native American culture and society.

Wounded Knee Massacre

The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, at Wounded Knee Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The massacre was the culmination of a series of events that began with the Ghost Dance movement, a religious movement that swept through many Native American tribes in the late 1880s and early 1890s. The Ghost Dance was a response to the devastating effects of colonialism on Native American life, and it promised to bring about a new era of peace and prosperity for Native Americans.

Full Answer Section

    The US government was alarmed by the Ghost Dance movement, and it sent troops to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to disarm the Sioux people. On December 29, 1890, the troops surrounded a group of Sioux people who were camped at Wounded Knee Creek. The soldiers ordered the Sioux to disarm, but some of the Sioux refused. A fight broke out, and the soldiers opened fire on the Sioux men, women, and children. Over 200 Sioux people were killed in the Wounded Knee Massacre, and many others were wounded. The massacre was a horrific tragedy, and it marked the end of the Ghost Dance movement. It also marked the end of Native American resistance to colonialism, and it ushered in a new era of oppression and assimilation. Native American Boarding Schools Native American boarding schools were a system of schools that were established by the US government in the late 19th century. The purpose of the boarding schools was to assimilate Native American children into white American culture. The schools were forced upon Native American families, and children were often taken from their homes and sent to the schools against their will. Conditions at the boarding schools were often harsh and abusive. The children were forbidden to speak their own languages or practice their own cultures. They were forced to wear Western clothing and cut their hair. They were also subjected to physical and emotional abuse. The boarding schools had a devastating impact on Native American culture and society. They disrupted the transmission of traditional knowledge and values from one generation to the next. They also contributed to the loss of Native American languages and cultures. Legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre and Native American Boarding Schools The Wounded Knee Massacre and the Native American boarding schools are two of the most shameful chapters in American history. They are a reminder of the brutality and racism that Native Americans have faced in this country. The legacy of the Wounded Knee Massacre and the boarding schools continues to be felt today. Many Native Americans still suffer from the trauma of these events. The boarding schools also contributed to the high rates of poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse that are common in Native American communities today. Teaching of Native American History in American Schools The history of Native Americans is often taught in American schools to a very limited extent. When it is taught, it is often focused on stereotypical images of Native Americans as warriors or victims. This limited and stereotypical teaching of Native American history can lead to misunderstandings and prejudice. It is important to teach Native American history in a comprehensive and accurate way. Native American history should be taught from a Native American perspective, and it should focus on the resilience and strength of Native American people. Conclusion The Wounded Knee Massacre and the Native American boarding schools were two of the most significant events in the Native American experience during the late 1800s. These events had a profound impact on Native American culture and society, and their legacy continues to be felt today. It is important to remember and learn from the Wounded Knee Massacre and the Native American boarding schools. We must not forget the injustice that was done to Native Americans, and we must work to create a more just and equitable society for all.