Which massacre is considered a significant event in the conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government?

• A. Battle of Gettysburg
• B. Wounded Knee Massacre
• C. Sand Creek Massacre
• D. Both B and C

Answer: (D)

The Wounded Knee Massacre and the Sand Creek Massacre are both pivotal events that illustrate the violent struggles between Native Americans and the U.S. government throughout the 19th century.

The Wounded Knee Massacre, which occurred in 1890, marked a tragic end to the Indian Wars. U.S. troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux, including women and children, as they were attempting to surrender. This event is often viewed as a culmination of decades of conflict and the U.S. government's policy of forced removal and assimilation of Native tribes.

Similarly, the Sand Creek Massacre, which took place in 1864 in Colorado, involved the brutal killing of a large number of Cheyenne and Arapaho people, including many who were unarmed and had been promised protection. This event highlights the ongoing violence and the betrayal of government promises to Native tribes.

Both of these massacres serve as stark reminders of the extreme measures taken by the U.S. government against Native Americans, making them significant in understanding the broader conflict and its implications on Native American history and rights. Hence, recognizing both B and C as key events underscores the severity and tragic consequences of U.S. policies towards Native Americans during this period.