The "Battle" of Wounded Knee

Published on October 1, 2025
Duration: 17:31

This video details the historical events leading up to and including the Wounded Knee Massacre, highlighting the firearms used by the US Army, specifically the Springfield Trapdoor rifle and Hotchkiss cannons. It explores the context of the Ghost Dance movement and the government's response, ultimately framing the event as a tragic mass shooting enacted upon Native Americans.

Quick Summary

The Wounded Knee Massacre involved the Springfield Trapdoor .45-70 rifle and Hotchkiss M1875 mountain guns used by the US Army's Seventh Cavalry. The event was triggered by the government's misinterpretation of the peaceful Ghost Dance movement as insurrection, leading to a tragic confrontation and an estimated 150-300 Lakota deaths.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Warning
  2. 00:20Firearms of Wounded Knee: Springfield Trapdoor
  3. 00:28Hotchkiss Cannons
  4. 00:46The Ghost Dance Movement
  5. 00:50Wovoka's Vision
  6. 01:18The Messiah Letter
  7. 03:09Sociological Impact of Ghost Dance
  8. 03:32Government Perception of Ghost Dance
  9. 04:001890: Ghost Dance Prominence
  10. 04:18Arrest of Sitting Bull
  11. 04:48Spotted Elk and Followers
  12. 05:01December 28th Order to Disarm
  13. 05:12Seventh Cavalry Arrives
  14. 05:22Disarming the Camp
  15. 05:36Rising Tensions
  16. 05:55Struggle and Discharge
  17. 06:03Indiscriminate Firing
  18. 06:15Unequal Armament
  19. 06:33Hotchkiss Guns Open Fire
  20. 06:48Chaos and Indiscriminate Murder
  21. 07:06Pursuit and Killing
  22. 07:10Casualty Estimates
  23. 07:20US Army Casualties
  24. 07:26Surviving Lakota
  25. 07:33Aftermath and Burial
  26. 07:481973 Standoff at Wounded Knee
  27. 08:00Conclusion: Worst Mass Shooting
  28. 08:12Support InRange
  29. 08:26Special Ending: Ghost Dance Music

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearms were used in the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The primary firearms used by the US Army at the Wounded Knee Massacre were the Springfield Trapdoor, a single-shot .45-70 rifle, and Hotchkiss M1875 mountain guns, which were rapid-fire artillery pieces. The Lakota were ordered to disarm, but the soldiers remained armed.

What was the Ghost Dance movement and its role in the Wounded Knee Massacre?

The Ghost Dance was a religious movement among Native Americans, originating from Wovoka's vision, which preached pacifism and the resurrection of the dead. The US government, however, perceived it as insurrectionist, leading to increased military presence and contributing to the events at Wounded Knee.

How did the Wounded Knee Massacre begin?

The massacre began during an attempt to disarm the Lakota. A struggle ensued when Black Coyote, who was deaf and did not understand the orders, resisted giving up his rifle. An accidental discharge occurred, leading to indiscriminate firing by the Seventh Cavalry.

What were the estimated casualties at the Wounded Knee Massacre?

Estimates for Lakota deaths range from 150 to 300, with the government's initial estimate being 150. US Army casualties were significantly lower, with 25 soldiers killed and 39 wounded. The Hotchkiss guns are believed to have caused most of the Army's casualties.

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