sand creek massacre apush definition,Background of the Sand Creek Massacre

sand creek massacre apush definition,Background of the Sand Creek Massacre

Background of the Sand Creek Massacre

The Sand Creek Massacre, also known as the Chivington Massacre, was a tragic event that occurred on November 29, 1864, in Colorado Territory. It involved the U.S. Army’s 3rd Cavalry Regiment, led by Colonel John Chivington, attacking a Cheyenne and Arapaho village. The massacre resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 Native Americans, mostly women, children, and the elderly.

Causes of the Massacre

The Sand Creek Massacre was a culmination of years of tension between Native American tribes and white settlers in the region. The primary cause was the encroachment on Native American lands by gold prospectors and farmers. The Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were forced to move to reservations, but many refused to leave their ancestral lands. This led to conflicts and skirmishes with the U.S. Army.

sand creek massacre apush definition,Background of the Sand Creek Massacre

The Attack on Sand Creek

On the morning of November 29, 1864, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, numbering around 700 men, approached the Cheyenne and Arapaho village at Sand Creek. The soldiers were under the false impression that the village was harboring hostile warriors. Despite the presence of several non-combatants, including women and children, the soldiers launched a surprise attack.

The attack was brutal and unrelenting. The soldiers fired into the village, bayoneting those who tried to flee. Many Native Americans were killed instantly, while others were chased down and killed as they tried to escape. The soldiers also burned the village to the ground, leaving nothing but ruins.

Aftermath and Reaction

The Sand Creek Massacre was one of the most infamous events in American history. The news of the massacre spread quickly, and public outrage was immediate. The U.S. government was forced to investigate the incident, and a military commission was convened to determine the facts.

The commission found that the attack on Sand Creek was unjustified and that Colonel Chivington had acted with “gross negligence.” However, Chivington was not punished, and the soldiers involved were not held accountable. The Native American survivors were moved to a new reservation, where they faced further hardship and discrimination.

sand creek massacre apush definition,Background of the Sand Creek Massacre

Legacy of the Sand Creek Massacre

The Sand Creek Massacre has had a lasting impact on the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government. It is often cited as an example of the mistreatment and violence that Native Americans faced throughout the 19th century. The massacre has also been a source of healing and reconciliation for many Native American communities.

In recent years, there has been a growing effort to acknowledge and remember the Sand Creek Massacre. The Colorado legislature has officially apologized for the event, and the site of the massacre has been designated as a historic site. The Sand Creek Massacre National Memorial was established in 2007 to honor the victims and educate the public about the event.

Year Event Outcome
1864 Sand Creek Massacre Approximately 150 Native Americans killed
1865 Investigation by military commission Colonel Chivington found guilty of gross negligence
2007 Establishment of Sand Creek Massacre National Memorial Site designated as historic site and dedicated to honoring victims

The Sand Creek Massacre remains a poignant reminder of the tragic history between Native Americans and the U.S. government. It is a story of violence, injustice, and the struggle for recognition and respect. As we continue to learn from this dark chapter in our history, we can hope to build a more just and equitable future for all.

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