Conflicts on the Plains

White settlers believed in property rights, but Native Americans believed no one could own land. The right to own or use something Mother Earth

Buffalo provided food, shelter, tools, and clothing to the Native Americans.

Over a period of about 40 years, settlers and railroad workers killed most of the huge animals. 40,000 hides

The U.S. government moved Native Americans to reservations to make room settlers and railroads.

This area was sacred, or had deep religious meaning, for the Lakota Sioux.

Then, in 1874, gold was discovered in the Black Hills.

Battle of Little Big Horn Col. George Custer attacked Sitting Bull’s camp. Outnumbered 4 to 1, Custer and his men were killed.

The U.S. Army massacred 200 Sioux in order to get them to stop performing the Ghost Dance.

The Ghost (or Spirit) Dance, to reunite the living with the dead and bring peace.

Sitting Bull was killed 15 days before the massacre at Wounded Knee. Standing Rock Reservation Memorial for Sitting Bull