Sitting Bull, a revered chief of the Hunkpapa Lakota, was killed on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation as U.S. Indian police attempted to arrest him due to fears that he would support the Ghost Dance movement among the Lakota people. This movement was seen as a spiritual resurgence intended to restore Native American culture and bring about the return of the buffalo, amidst oppressive American policies. Sitting Bull's death, however, set off a chain reaction of violence that culminated in the Wounded Knee Massacre. Following his killing, tensions escalated rapidly, as many Lakota sought revenge while U.S. troops moved in to contain the situation. The U.S. military's presence exacerbated these tensions, leading to a standoff at Wounded Knee Creek, where the conflict erupted into violence, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Lakota men, women, and children.

The repercussions of this event were profound, as it symbolized the U.S. government's continued disregard for Native sovereignty and rights. The Wounded Knee Massacre represented one of the final violent confrontations of the Indian Wars, illustrating the extreme measures the U.S. government employed to assert control over Native populations. Ultimately, Sitting Bull's assassination eroded any remaining hopes for peaceful coexistence and signaled a turning point in U.S.-Native American relations, propelling the narrative of resistance among Native peoples.

In the context of the American West, Sitting Bull's legacy continues to be associated with the struggle of Native Americans against systemic oppression. His leadership and vision remain central to discussions about Native identity and rights, especially concerning land and cultural preservation. The events that unfolded following his death left an indelible mark on both Native American history and American history as a whole.