Learning Objectives: Identify and discuss the origins of conflict between Native Americans and new settlers on the Great Plains. Summarize the events of the Apache Wars and the events at Wounded Knee

First People of the Plains Conflict between miners, ranchers, and farmers and Native Americans on the Plains occurred because Native Americans tried to preserve their way of living, but white settlers took or changed the land. Nomadic Native American groups included the Sioux, the Comanche, and the Blackfoot. Followed the Buffalo- main source of food, clothing, shelter, and tools. Nations divided into bands. Each band included a governing council, most members took part in making decisions. Women raised children, cooked, and prepared hides. Men hunted, traded, and protected their band.

Buffalo Population declined for two reasons: American hunters targeted buffalo to sell the hides in the East. Railroad companies also hired hunters to kill buffalo to feed railroad crews and to prevent giant herds from blocking the trains.

Indian Peace Commission Set up by federal government in 1867 to develop a policy for relations with Native Americans living within U.S. borders. Recommended to move Native Americans to a few large reservation- areas of land set aside for them Gave the army authority to deal forcefully with any groups that refused to move.

Life on the Reservation Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs managed reservations & used trickery to persuade Native Americans to move to reservations. Main issues on reservations: Land on reservations was unfit for farming or hunting. Government often failed to deliver promised food and supplies. Goods delivered were of poor quality.

Conflicts See worksheet provided.

Factors that changed Native American Life White people moving onto their lands Killing of the buffalo U.S. army attacks Reservation policy Reformers who wanted to Native Americans to fit into white culture.

Dawes aCT Passed by Congress in 1887. Called for breaking up reservations and ending Native American’s identification with a tribal group.

Ghost Dance Wounded Knee Ceremonial dance that celebrated a hope-for day when settlers would disappear, the buffalo would return, and Native Americans could go back to traditional ways of life. U.S. gov’t believed Sitting Bull was responsible for movement and tried to arrest him. During a scuffle, police shot and killed him. Several hundred armed Lakota Sioux gathered at Wounded Knee, a creek in southwestern South Dakota. Army troops sent to collect weapons. One gun discharged, fired a shot, and the arm shot in return. More than 200 Sioux and 25 soldiers died. Conflict at Wounded Knee marked the end of armed fighting between the U.S. gov’t and Native Americans.