456. Fall of the Sioux: The Massacre at Wounded Knee (Part 3)
May 30, 2024
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The podcast delves into the fall of the Sioux tribe, focusing on the rise of the Ghost Dance and the tragic massacre at Wounded Knee Creek. It explores the fate of Sitting Bull, the impact of his demise on the Lakota people, and the chaotic events leading to the massacre. The narrative also discusses the conflicting views on Native American culture, the exploitation of Sitting Bull's legacy, and the lasting impact of the tragedy on indigenous cultures.
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Quick takeaways
The rise of the Ghost Dance offered hope to the Sioux amidst oppression and modernization.
Sitting Bull's fatal encounter with his own people's police marked a tragic end to his leadership.
The chaotic atmosphere at Wounded Knee led to a violent confrontation and the devastating Massacre.
The Wounded Knee Massacre exposed the brutal mistreatment and betrayal faced by Indigenous communities.
Deep dives
The Tragic Death of Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull, a revered Sioux leader, encounters a tragic end as he is shot during an attempt to arrest him by his own people's Indian police. The chaotic scene unfolds as Sitting Bull's followers and the police clash, leading to Sitting Bull's death at the hands of the police and the subsequent mutilation of his body.
The Wounded Knee Massacre
Following the death of Sitting Bull, the Lakota people, led by Chief Bigfoot, face a harrowing situation as they surrender to the US Army at Wounded Knee Creek. Despite showing signs of surrender and hunger, the troops, including the Seventh Cavalry, with a mix of inexperienced soldiers and hardened narratives, set up camp around them.
The Cold and Tragic End
Under chilling conditions and surrounded by troops, Chief Bigfoot's village finds themselves disarmed and vulnerable. The next day, on December 30th, with snow falling, the troops circle the village and attempt to disarm the individuals. However, the situation becomes chaotic and disorganized due to Bigfoot's illness and the confusion among his people.
The Brutality of the Aftermath
The dire conditions at Wounded Knee lead to a tragic outcome as tensions escalate between the troops and the Lakota people. A misunderstanding or provocation results in a violent confrontation, leading to the Wounded Knee Massacre. The Seventh Cavalry, intent on a swift and decisive victory, open fire on the disarmed Lakota villagers, resulting in a devastating loss of life and a stark display of brutality and betrayal.
The Impact and Legacy
The Wounded Knee Massacre marks a dark chapter in the history of the Native American tribes. The cruelty and violence inflicted on the Lakota people, including women and children, highlights the harsh realities of conquest and the tragic end of resistance against U.S. forces. The massacre serves as a poignant reminder of the long-standing mistreatment and oppression endured by Indigenous communities in the face of colonization.
The Tragic Standoff at Wounded Knee
The podcast explores a harrowing account leading to the Wounded Knee massacre where the Lakota people faced off against the US Army's seventh cavalry. The tense confrontation escalated as soldiers demanded the surrender of guns that symbolized identity and dignity for the Lakota warriors. A struggle over a gun resulted in a shot fired, triggering chaos and violence. The clash spiraled into a brutal massacre, with soldiers turning upon each other, unleashing a tragic bloodbath.
Aftermath and Legacy of Wounded Knee
The aftermath of the Wounded Knee massacre revealed the stark brutality and loss of humanity as soldiers indiscriminately slaughtered unarmed Native American refugees, including women and children. The lack of accountability and whitewashing of the massacre in public narratives highlighted the deep-rooted bias and injustice. Despite the atrocities, attempts to rewild the great plains and preserve Native American cultures showcased a movement towards recognizing and honoring the tragic history and resilience of the indigenous peoples.
With Native American culture in free fall in the years following their triumph at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the rise of the Ghost Dance - a form of spiritual expression that promised liberty from the oppression of 19th century American politics, modernisation and mass entertainment - brought a new hope to the Sioux. Even so, the once great war chieftain Sitting Bull, unable to see visions int the dance, and having allowed himself to be seduced by Buffalo Bill and the mass entertainment industry, found his authority in the Reservation waning. Meanwhile, a plan was being concocted to do away for him once and for all…his fate would set in motion a tragic chain of events that would culminate in a terrible, barbaric massacre at Wounded Knee Creek, where, amidst the bathetic winter snows, it seems that the Lakota had finally met their end.
Join Dominic and Tom for the epic conclusion to their mighty saga on the Lakota Sioux and the American Indian Wars, as they discuss the fate of Sitting Bull, the Ghost Dancers, and their last stand at the terrible Wounded Knee massacre.