Key Issue 6- The Struggle for the Great Plains Flashcards
Why were the Indians annoyed?
White people kept messing them around and breaking treaties over and over again.
Fort Laramie Treaty?
1851, defined specific areas for the Indians.
Fort Wise Treaty?
1861, Sand Creek reservation set up on really bad land.
Increasing tensions?
US army grew a lot and increased the militant frontier with 52 forts by the 1850s. Fought different types of war. Media produced propaganda against Natives. US army intercepted Natives with scouts.
Sand Creek Massacre?
1864, Chivington led an unprovoked attack on the Sand Creek reservation. 163/500 were killed, 11 of those were women and children. Black Kettle raised the white flag, but Chivington ignored. People were so shocked by the brutality, that Chivington had to step down.
Red Cloud’s War?
1866, Red Cloud was done with treaties being ignored and all of the forts, so they attacked and the army was caught off guard so they had to surrender to Red Cloud.
Battle of Little Bighorn?
1874, miscommunication by Custer and the other generals. They messed up and the Indians won because they were better equipped and competent and killed Custer.
Dawes Act?
1887, Indians had to be farmers to become US citizens. This destroyed their culture. 60% less than in 1887. All land designated was taken in 1889 Oklahoma Land Rush.
Wounded Knee?
1890, Indians were on reservations and it was the end. Wovoka (Indian in Nevada) led Ghost Dance which would call their ancestors to save them. In Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota, it reached a height but the US army killed 153 people. Signified end of the Indians’ ability to resist the US.
Close of the frontier?
Buffalo dropped from 13 million to 200. Indians had to live on handouts and rations which was demoralising, so many turned to alcoholism. Their cultural identity was destroyed, and their children were sent to Christan boarding schools to assimilate. It was the end.
