The Wounded Knee Massacre marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between the United States government and Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota people. Located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, tensions had been rising due to the government's push for Native American assimilation and the Ghost Dance movement, which was seen as a threat by the authorities. On December 29, 1890, the 7th Cavalry Regiment was sent to disarm the Lakota, who were gathered near Wounded Knee Creek. In the ensuing chaos, a shot was fired—reports vary on who fired first—resulting in a deadly exchange of gunfire. The massacre lasted several hours, with soldiers using artillery and machine guns to kill unarmed Lakota men, women, and children. Estimates vary, but close to 300 individuals were killed, and many more were wounded. The event was characterized by the brutality of the U.S. military response and the heavy loss of life among the Lakota. It effectively marked the end of the Indian Wars in the United States as it showcased the military's grim approach to subduing Native American resistance. In the aftermath of the confrontation, the bodies of the deceased were unceremoniously buried in a mass grave, and the event is often cited as a symbol of the broader patterns of violence against Native American populations and the struggle for their rights and sovereignty. The Wounded Knee Massacre remains a profound reminder of the injustices faced by Native Americans and a significant chapter in American history.