The "Battle" of Wounded Knee

Published on October 1, 2025
Duration: 17:31

This video provides a historical overview of the Wounded Knee Massacre, detailing the events leading up to it, including the Ghost Dance movement and government misinterpretations. It describes the disarmament and subsequent indiscriminate firing by the US Army's Seventh Cavalry, utilizing Springfield Trapdoor rifles and Hotchkiss cannons, resulting in a significant loss of Lakota lives. The narrative emphasizes the tragic consequences of government actions and the historical context of Native American rights.

Quick Summary

The Wounded Knee Massacre, considered the worst mass shooting in US history, involved the US Army's Seventh Cavalry using Springfield Trapdoor rifles and Hotchkiss M1875 mountain guns. It occurred after the government misinterpreted the peaceful Ghost Dance movement as insurrection, leading to the disarmament and subsequent indiscriminate killing of at least 150 Lakota people.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Warning
  2. 00:46The Ghost Dance Movement
  3. 01:29The Messiah Letter
  4. 03:09Ghost Dance Sociological Impact
  5. 03:32Government Reaction to Ghost Dance
  6. 04:18Arrest of Sitting Bull
  7. 04:48Spotted Elk and Followers
  8. 05:01Order to Disarm Lakota
  9. 05:12Seventh Cavalry Arrives
  10. 05:22Disarmament Process Begins
  11. 05:36Rising Tensions and Discharge
  12. 06:00Indiscriminate Firing
  13. 06:33Hotchkiss Cannons Open Fire
  14. 06:48Indiscriminate Murder
  15. 07:06Pursuit and Casualties
  16. 07:20Aftermath and Burial
  17. 07:48Later Standoff at Wounded Knee
  18. 08:00Conclusion: Worst Mass Shooting
  19. 08:26Special Musical Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ghost Dance movement?

The Ghost Dance was a religious movement among Native American tribes in the late 19th century, initiated by Wvaka (Jack Wilson). It blended indigenous and Christian beliefs, aiming for the resurrection of the dead and the removal of white influence, with a core message of nonviolent pacifism.

What firearms were used at the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The US Army's Seventh Cavalry primarily used the single-shot Springfield Trapdoor rifle in .45-70 caliber. Additionally, four rapid-fire Hotchkiss M1875 mountain guns were deployed, significantly contributing to the Lakota casualties.

Why is the Wounded Knee Massacre considered the worst mass shooting in US history?

The Wounded Knee Massacre is considered the worst mass shooting due to the indiscriminate killing of at least 150 Lakota people, including women and children, by the US Army. The event involved the suppression of a religious movement and resulted in a disproportionate number of civilian casualties.

What led to the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The massacre stemmed from the US government's misinterpretation of the Ghost Dance as an insurrection. Tensions escalated after the killing of Sitting Bull, leading to an order to disarm Lakota followers, which resulted in an accidental discharge and subsequent indiscriminate firing by the Seventh Cavalry.

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