Question

Are the Sioux at fault for the Wounded Knee massacre? Was the army justified in their actions considering the past history of Native attacks like Fetterman's Massacre and Little Big Horn?

Answer 1

The Sioux were known to be more violent and often would fight against white movement into their lands. Their attacks were more organized than whites had seen in the past and the tribe had learned from earlier tribal mishaps. So in this case, the Sioux could be blamed. However, Wounded Knee started due to a misunderstanding of cultural ritual by the US military. Had the US military had a better understanding of the enemy they were fighting, the massacre could have been prevented. Additionally, there was no need to kill women and children in the attack had it been purely a military battle.