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Dakota Sioux Uprising
LinkAfter not receiving payments (called annuities) from the government, promised to them for moving to a reservation, Chief Little Crow and the Dakota Sioux tribe from Minnesota led an uprising and slaughtered soldiers & settlers in the area. Hundreds died and several Dakota were executed. Many Dakota fled the reservation and settled in the Dakota Territory. -
Sand Creek Massacre
LinkTensions were high between Native Americans and gold miners battling for land in Colorado. After months of escalating violence the US army attacked the Cheyenne at Sand Creek. It is unclear what exactly happened but by the end of the attack hundreds of men, women, and children were killed. -
Fetterman's Massacre
LinkThe US army sent out to the Great Plains clashed with the nomadic Lakota Sioux tribe. The army was ambushed and suffered a stunning defeat, raising tensions between Americans and Indians. -
Creation of the Indian Peace Commission
LinkA government agency was created to deal with escalating violence with Native Americans. Two large reservations were created on the Great Plains. Many tribes did not abide by the terms. -
Little Bighorn
LinkGold hunters invade reservations and Indians leave them to hunt for buffalo. Indians win a shocking battle and the U.S. Army steps up their war against the Indians. Famous General George Custer, a popular Indian fighter, is killed earning the battle the nickname, "Custer's Last Stand". -
Passage of the Dawes Act
LinkLaw passed in response to Helen Hunt Jackson's "A Century of Dishonor", which called for better treatment of Native Americans. The law provided Indian households allotments of land in an attempt to assimilate them into "white" culture. Much Native American culture is lost in the process. -
Wounded Knee Massacre
LinkIn response to the Native American practice of the "Ghostdance", which was prohibited by the U.S. Army the military massacres a village of Native Americans. Native American resistance finally ends and the Indian Wars are over.
