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Lewis and Clark Expedition
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Indian Removal Act
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Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears occurred under Jackson’s rule in which he forced Native Americans who dwelled in the Southern regions of the U.S. to migrate west. This directly followed the Indian Removal act which allowed for their removal from these regions. This caused thousands of Native Americans to migrate west, with wagons and horses, but a large portion on foot. A large portion of the population perished during this time—succumbing to exposure, fatigue, dehydration, starvation, and disease. This is o -
Massacre at Sand Creek
The Cheyenne, in history, had typically moved to Sand Creek for the winter, but American troops had taken over that region during that time. General Curtis was angry for the fact that they had come there because they believed they had gained rights to that land. So, in retaliation, Curtis ordered the killing of over 150 men, women, and children. This is considered one of the most tragic events in Native American history because there was such a large population of women and children within the k -
Treaty of Fort Laramie
This treaty had the Sioux live in a reservation along the Missouri River. Several people opposed this including Sitting Bull, who refused to sign it even two years later. They wanted to preserve the integrity of the land—keeping their traditional hunting grounds. This treaty was opposed by so many because they had previously been promised they could keep their land, and they intended on staying there. It was revoking their rights to their own land and that was unconstitutional in and of itself. -
Little Big Horn
Sioux and Cheyenne defeat Custer -
Geronimo Surrenders after 15 years
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The Dawes Act
The Dawes Act was an act that was intended to Americanize the Native Americans by integrating “Americans” into their western territory. It allotted up to 160 acred to the white heads of households who were also citizens of the United States. Although intended to be smaller families, large corporations and railroads began getting these lands, which led to further industrialization and immigration in the West. Several tripe leaders, including Red Cloud, severely opposed this and retaliated with fo -
Ghost Dance
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The Battle of Wounded Knee
The Battle of Wounded Knee occurred when General Custer killed 300 unarmed Native Americans. At the time, tensions were rising between the U.S. and Native American forces. Sitting Bull had just been killed and Chief Big Foot was leading the Sioux. American forces led Native Americans to a camp at wounded knee. Since tensions were so high, there was a great amount of fear on both sides, so when an unknown shot was fired, chaos emerged. Custer ordered his soldiers to kill everyone—including a lar
