Final answer:
The Wounded Knee Massacre on December 29, 1890, in South Dakota, marked the end of the Indian Wars and was a significant event in Native American history, resulting in the death of approximately 300 Sioux by U.S. troops.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This tragic event marked the culmination of the so-called Indian Wars and involved U.S. Army troops and members of the Lakota Sioux tribe. A tense situation developed as soldiers attempted to disarm the Lakotas, and confusion ensued after a shot was fired, leading to a disproportionate response by the troops. With the use of automatic weapons, an estimated 300 Lakota men, women, and children were killed. This massacre had a profound significance for Native Americans as it signaled the end of physical resistance to the loss of their lands, representing a culmination of the systematic oppression they faced.
For the Lakota, the Ghost Dance ritual was a spiritual movement that promised relief from their hardships and restoration of their way of life. The massacre at Wounded Knee shattered these hopes and further symbolized the United States' determination to subdue Native American resistance and assimilate them into the broader American society.
The aftermath of Wounded Knee had lasting impacts on the psyche of Native American communities, leaving a legacy of trauma and a challenge to their cultural survival. Despite the tragedy, the massacre has also come to symbolize the resilience of Native American heritage and identity, as modern movements have emerged to honor those fallen at Wounded Knee and advocate for indigenous rights and sovereignty.