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The Ghost Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890: A Comprehensive Exploration

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The Ghost-dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890

by Franklin Kendrick

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	596 pages

The Ghost Dance Religion, a spiritual movement that swept through Native American tribes in the late 19th century, played a profound role in the tragic Sioux Outbreak of 1890. By examining the beliefs, rituals, and consequences of this transformative movement, we gain a deeper understanding of its impact on the Lakota Sioux and the events that followed.

Origins and Beliefs

The Ghost Dance Religion originated among the Paiute tribe in Nevada in the 1880s. It was led by the charismatic prophet Wovoka, who preached a message of hope and renewal. Wovoka claimed to have met with God in a vision, who instructed him to spread a new dance that would bring about a spiritual revolution and restore Native American sovereignty.

According to Ghost Dance beliefs, the Messiah would return to earth, bringing with him a new era of peace and abundance. The dance itself was believed to have powers to heal the sick, resurrect the dead, and remove the white settlers from Native American lands. Participants would enter into a trance-like state while performing the dance, often wearing special Ghost Shirts that they believed would protect them from harm.

Spread to the Sioux

By the early 1890s, the Ghost Dance Religion had spread to the Lakota Sioux in the Dakotas and Montana. The Sioux, facing severe poverty, cultural suppression, and broken promises from the US government, embraced the movement as a means of spiritual and political renewal.

Leading Sioux chiefs, such as Sitting Bull and Big Foot, became influential figures in the Ghost Dance movement. They encouraged their followers to participate in the dance and believe in its transformative power. The Ghost Dance spread rapidly among the Sioux, offering them a sense of hope and purpose in the face of adversity.

Government Fears and Tensions

The US government, alarmed by the growing influence of the Ghost Dance Religion, feared that it could lead to Native American uprisings and resistance. The government dispatched agents to investigate the movement and attempted to suppress its spread.

Tensions between the Sioux and the US Army escalated in 1890. Soldiers were sent to round up and disarm the Sioux, who were accused of practicing the Ghost Dance and preparing for an uprising. The arrest of Sitting Bull on December 15, 1890, further heightened tensions and led to armed confrontations.

Wounded Knee Massacre

The most tragic event of the Sioux Outbreak was the Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890. A group of Sioux, including women and children, was surrounded and killed by US soldiers at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. The massacre claimed the lives of hundreds of Sioux and marked a turning point in the history of Native American-US relations.

The Wounded Knee Massacre extinguished the Ghost Dance movement among the Sioux and dealt a devastating blow to their hopes and aspirations. It symbolized the tragic consequences of government suppression and the failure to recognize and respect Native American beliefs and rights.

Legacy and Impact

The Ghost Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890 left a lasting impact on Native American history and culture. The movement demonstrated the resilience and spiritual power of Native American peoples in the face of adversity.

However, it also highlighted the tragic consequences of government suppression and the need for reconciliation and understanding between Native Americans and the US government. The legacy of the Ghost Dance Religion continues to inspire Native American spiritual practices and activism.

The Ghost Dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890 were complex and transformative events that profoundly impacted Native American history and culture. By understanding the beliefs, rituals, and consequences of this movement, we gain a deeper appreciation for the struggles and resilience of the Lakota Sioux and the ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans in the United States.

The Ghost-dance Religion and the Sioux Outbreak of 1890

by Franklin Kendrick

4.3 out of 5