1. Indian Wars

3. Sand Creek Massacre (1864)
Indian Wars had been waging for several years
In an attempt to maintain peace, two chiefs tried to establish a truce
They were advised to fly an American flag over their camp to establish themselves as friendly.
On November 29th, 1864, while the majority of the males were out hunting, Civil War leader, Colonel Chivington and his 700 troops attacked the Indian campsite
More than a hundred Indians were killed (majority women and children), despite the American flag flying overhead and the raising of a white flag (surrender) after the attack began
Chivington and his troops were never charged with any crime

4. Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868)
Was supposed to end Indian Wars
Agreement between the United States and the Lakota people signed at Fort Laramie in the Wyoming Territory
Guaranteed the Lakota ownership of the Black Hills, and further land and hunting rights in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.
The Powder River Country was to be henceforth closed to all whites.

5. Little Big Horn (1876)
Sitting Bull
American lieutenant Colonel George Custer (experienced from the Civil War) led around 250 men
Up against 2,500 Native Americans, including Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse
In the Black Hills of South Dakota
Lakota natives had been given reservation land in the area, but when gold was discovered the United States government wanted to take back the land
Also known as Custer’s Last Stand because he and his men stood their ground (they all died!)
Even though the Indians won the battle, the United States Army sent more troops and eventually tribes were forced off the land
Custer
Crazy Horse

6. Wounded Knee (1890)
Last major conflict between the U.S. Army and Native Americans
One-sided battle
Natives believed practicing the “Ghost Dance” would stop white invaders from taking over their land
Settlers were worried the Ghost Dance would cause problems
Sitting Bull was killed during his arrest
U.S. soldiers killed over 200 men, women, and children of the Lakota Indians

7. Dawes Severalty Act
Gave the President power to divide Indian lands and then split them into segments for individual Indians (the amount of this being determined by age, gender, and family status)
Also gave the government power to build highways, railroads, and telegraph lines through Indian land.

8. Assimilation- Being absorbed into the main culture of society

9. Indian Assimilation
Boarding schools were started to help Indians assimilate into “American” culture