Final answer:
The American Indian Movement (AIM) took over a trading post at Wounded Knee, South Dakota in 1973 to gain recognition of tribal sovereignty, secure land rights and cultural preservation, and raise awareness about the mistreatment of Native communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Indian Movement (AIM) took over a trading post at Wounded Knee, South Dakota in 1973 in order to achieve several goals. One of their main objectives was to gain recognition of tribal sovereignty. They wanted to assert the rights of Native American tribes to self-determination and control over their own affairs. Additionally, they sought to secure land rights and preserve their culture, as well as raise awareness about the mistreatment and oppression faced by Native communities. AIM's actions were part of a larger civil rights movement that brought political shifts and benefits to Native communities in the United States.