1. The Battle of Little Big Horn
Custer & 7th Cavalry attack an Indian village in June 1876
In 20 minutes Lakota Sioux & Cheyenne led by Crazy Horse kill the entire cavalry
Known as “Custer’s Last Stand”

2. Gen. George A. Custer Gold discovered in the Black Hills
American prospectors flood the Dakota territory
Custer sent to protect prospectors in 1876
Custer in Civil War dress

3. “I am inclined to think that the occupation of this region of the country is not necessary to the happiness and prosperity of the Indians. As it is supposed to be rich in minerals and lumber, it is deemed important to have it freed as early as possible from Indian occupancy.”
Columbus Delano,
Secretary of the Interior
1872

4. “Look at me and look at the earth
“Look at me and look at the earth. It was our father’s and should be our children’s after us. If the white men take my country, where can I go? I have nowhere to go. I cannot spare it, and I love it very much. Let us alone.”
-Sitting Bull,
Lakota Sioux chief, 1877

5. Massacre at Wounded Knee
Dec. 1890
7th Cavalry kill over 150 Lakota Sioux, many unarmed women and children
Ended the Indian Wars

6. Government Response Dawes Act – 1887
Tried to force assimilation of Native Americans
Broke up reservations and gave land to each family for farming
FAILED: because NA cheated out of best lands

7. Assimilation
Before
After

9. Reservations Today