Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Chapter 1

Europeans began encroaching on Native American lands since the arrival of the Pilgrims.
Key events include the defeat of King Philip of the Wampanoag in 1675 and the Five Nations of the Iroquois.
The deportation of the Cherokee is part of the broader narrative of eroding Indian freedom.
Significant tribes mentioned include the Santee, Teton, Hunkpapa, Cheyennes, Apaches, and Navahos.
Wounded Knee symbolizes the ultimate end of Indian autonomy and freedom.

In 1860, conflict arises due to U.S. and Mexican encroachment, leading Manuelito’s people to attack Fort Defiance.
A notable horse race between Manuelito and a lieutenant results in subsequent massacres of the Navaho.
General Carleton forces the Navahos and Mescalero Apaches into Bosque Reservation after a scorched-earth campaign.
Manuelito resists but ultimately surrenders and signs a treaty to end hostilities.

Sante Sioux face hardships from white encroachment and crop failures.
Due to a lack of annuity distributions and control over credit, tensions rise, leading to violence against settlers.
Key conflicts include attacks on Fort Ridgely and New Ulm, culminating in a loss at the Yellow Medicine River.
Following the conflict, many Santees are executed under orders from President Abraham Lincoln.

The Pikes Peak gold rush prompts an influx of settlers into Cheyenne and Arapaho territories.
A treaty is signed to establish a designated territory, but conflicts with army forces arise.
Governor John Evans’ proclamations escalate violence towards Native Americans, leading to the Sand Creek Massacre.
Cheyenne and Arapaho sign a treaty to move south of the Arkansas River for peace.

In 1865, army invasions into Powder River and harassment of private columns in Montana occur.
A massacre occurs at an Arapaho camp by army forces, escalating tensions.
Sioux retaliation is led by Roman Nose; army retreats to Fort Connor during conflict.
Harsh winter conditions devastate army troops, showcasing the harsh reality of war.

Following the death of a chief’s daughter, Red Cloud leads efforts against American encroachment.
Five Sioux chiefs are sent to negotiate at Fort Laramie as tensions escalate over territorial rights.
Notably, the Fetterman Massacre sees all soldiers killed in Red Cloud’s attack.
Peace efforts from the army repeatedly fail, leading to further conflict and eventual treaties.

Southern Cheyenne Dog Soldiers move to Kansas, facing army attempts to negotiate.
Tensions escalate as General Hancock warns of incoming white settlers.
Peace councils are attempted at Medicine Lodge Creek, leading to further escalations and conflicts.
Notable battles occur, with significant losses for the Cheyenne due to military actions.

Donehogawa investigates the massacre of the Piegan Blackfeet, igniting tensions with Plains Indians.
Attempts to negotiate peace and manage grievances meet resistance from aggrieved tribes.
Donehogawa faces backlash as his authority is undermined, leading to his resignation.

Cochise, an Apache leader, assists Americans initially but relations sour due to accusations of cattle theft.
Captured by U.S. forces, Cochise escapes, leading to retaliations against settlers.
Warfare escalates, as Cochise leads a large force against the American military.
Cochise’s refusal to relocate results in increased skirmishes and resistance from the Apache.

Modoc tribe conflicts with the Klamaths prompts their relocation and subsequent clashes with the army.
Captain Jack leads community efforts against white encroachment, resulting in a series of intense skirmishes.
Negotiations with General Canby break down, leading to mistrust and eventual violence.

General Sheridan orders tribes to surrender following the battle of Washita in 1868.
Kiowas rebel against restrictions, leading to conflicts with white settlers in Texas.
Satanta and Big Tree are sentenced to life, negotiate for treaties but continue to resist governmental control.

Gold rush rumors lead to an influx of miners into sacred Sioux lands in Black Hills.
Peace talks fail as the Sioux refuse mineral rights offers, leading to military conflicts.
Significant victories for the Sioux occur, including at the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Continued military aggression leads to tragic outcomes for Sioux leadership, including Crazy Horse’s death.

The 1863 treaty pushes Nez Perces to reservations, causing dissent among their leadership.
Chief Joseph leads a resistance against encroachments and successfully wins early conflicts.
The push to flee to Canada results in engagements with the U.S. army, ultimately leading to their undoing.

Key leaders surrender, but dissatisfaction with conditions leads to ongoing conflicts.
Cheyennes endure a difficult journey marked by illness and failed resistance.
Tribes face overwhelming loss through military action; survivors are displaced.

The Ponca tribe's displacement leads Standing Bear to challenge governmental authority.
Standing Bear argues for the constitutional recognition of Native individuals, winning a landmark legal battle.
His subsequent struggles reflect ongoing systemic injustices faced by Native tribes.

Mining activity leads to encroachments on Ute lands, resulting in significant territorial losses.
Discontent rises among Utes as plans for assimilation and religious conversion clash with their way of life.
Armed confrontations ensue, leading to forced relocations and further suppression.

After Cochise’s death, Apache factions form and begin attacking settlements.
Government efforts to relocate Apaches lead to further conflicts and desperate situations.
Geronimo’s leadership emerges through continued resistance until eventual capture and tragic end.

Sioux are relocated to the Great Sioux Reservation amid tensions and unrest.
The Ghost Dance movement arises, symbolizing hope for restoration and unity.
Government intervention escalates, leading to deadly engagements, including the tragic death of Sitting Bull.

After Sitting Bull’s death, Hunkpapas and Minneconjous face military confrontations.
A tragic misunderstanding leads to a massacre at Wounded Knee, resulting in the deaths of approximately 300 Native Americans.
This event marks a significant and heartbreaking conclusion to the long struggle for Native American rights and sovereignty.