What was one consequence of the Sand Creek Massacre?

• A. Increase in Native American land rights
• B. Heightened tensions between Native Americans and settlers
• C. Establishment of peace treaties
• D. Further government support for Native American tribes

Answer: (B)

The Sand Creek Massacre, which occurred in 1864, was a tragic event during which a group of Colorado U.S. volunteer soldiers attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho, killing a significant number of Native American men, women, and children. This brutal incident had lasting consequences, particularly in the relationships between Native Americans and white settlers.

One of the primary repercussions was the heightened tensions between these groups. The massacre fueled anger and resentment among Native Americans, leading to increased hostilities and resistance against settler encroachment. Many Native Americans viewed the massacre as a clear signal that their lives and rights were under imminent threat, prompting a cycle of violence and retaliation. This contributed to a broader context of conflict in the American West, affecting subsequent policies and military actions against Native American tribes.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of the Sand Creek Massacre. The event did not lead to an increase in Native American land rights or the establishment of peace treaties; instead, it exacerbated conflicts and justified further military action against Native groups. Additionally, there was no significant government support for Native American tribes in the aftermath of this massacre; rather, the U.S. government maintained a policy of aggression and displacement.