Historical Events tagged with "wounded knee"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

End of Wounded Knee Standoff

May 8th, 1973 51 years ago

A 71-day confrontation transpired at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, where members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) occupied the Pine Ridge Reservation. The standoff ignited a nationwide discussion on Native American rights and grievances against federal policies. Following negotiations, the militants ultimately surrendered, signaling a pivotal moment in Indigenous activism.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

AIM Occupies Wounded Knee in Protest

February 27th, 1973 52 years ago

In a significant act of protest, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized control of the Pine Ridge Reservation town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, demanding the federal government address broken treaties and issues of civil rights for Native Americans. The occupation commenced on February 27 and involved a standoff with federal authorities, drawing national attention to the plight of Indigenous peoples and their struggles against systemic injustices. The occupation lasted nearly 71 days, ending in May of the same year, making it one of the most important actions taken by AIM.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of Lakota at Wounded Knee

December 29th, 1890 134 years ago

The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred when the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army engaged with the Lakota people at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The confrontation escalated from an attempt to disarm the Lakota, leading to chaos and violence. Approximately 300 Lakota, including many women and children, lost their lives during this tragic occurrence, marking a significant and sorrowful moment in Native American history.

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Military & Warfare

Sitting Bull's Death Leads to Wounded Knee

December 15th, 1890 134 years ago

Hunkpapa Lakota leader Sitting Bull was killed during an attempted arrest by Indian police on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. His death heightened tensions among the Lakota people and contributed to the outbreak of violence at Wounded Knee. The conflict arose from the U.S. government's attempts to suppress the Ghost Dance movement, which the Lakota believed would restore their way of life. Following Sitting Bull's death, U.S. troops were sent to disband the Lakota, escalating into a tragic confrontation.

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