7th Cavalry

Definition

The 7th Cavalry is a United States Army regiment known for its involvement in several significant conflicts, particularly during the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. Its most infamous moment came during the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890, where it played a central role in the violent suppression of the Lakota Sioux people, marking a tragic end to the armed conflicts between Native Americans and U.S. forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 7th Cavalry was originally established in 1866 as part of the U.S. Army and gained notoriety for its engagements with Native American tribes.
2. During the Wounded Knee Massacre, approximately 300 Lakota Sioux were killed, including women and children, showcasing the brutal tactics employed by the cavalry.
3. The massacre at Wounded Knee was part of a larger effort by the U.S. government to suppress Native American cultural practices, particularly the Ghost Dance movement, which aimed to restore Native sovereignty.
4. The actions of the 7th Cavalry at Wounded Knee have been widely criticized as an act of genocide against Native Americans and are viewed as a dark chapter in U.S. history.
5. The legacy of the 7th Cavalry remains contentious, with many viewing it as a symbol of military oppression against Indigenous peoples and others regarding it as a necessary force during a turbulent time in American history.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the 7th Cavalry at Wounded Knee reflect broader themes in U.S. military policy towards Native Americans?
  • The actions of the 7th Cavalry at Wounded Knee reflect broader themes of U.S. military policy that prioritized expansion and control over Native American lands and cultures. This policy often resulted in violent confrontations, such as the massacre where hundreds of Lakota Sioux were killed. The event highlighted how military force was used to suppress Indigenous resistance and eradicate cultural practices that were seen as obstacles to American progress.
• Discuss the impact of Custer's Last Stand on public perception of the 7th Cavalry prior to their involvement at Wounded Knee.
  • Custer's Last Stand significantly shaped public perception of the 7th Cavalry by establishing a narrative of heroism and tragedy following their defeat at Little Bighorn in 1876. This event garnered national attention and transformed Custer into a martyr-like figure for many Americans. However, this romanticized view clashed with their later actions at Wounded Knee, where they executed a brutal massacre, raising questions about their role as protectors versus aggressors in the context of U.S. expansion.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Wounded Knee Massacre on Native American communities and their relationship with the U.S. government.
  • The long-term effects of the Wounded Knee Massacre on Native American communities were profound, leading to deep-seated mistrust and resentment toward the U.S. government. The massacre marked not only a violent suppression but also symbolized a broader strategy of cultural annihilation aimed at Indigenous peoples. In subsequent years, this event has been remembered as a pivotal moment that fueled activism and resistance against U.S. policies, influencing future movements for Native American rights and sovereignty while fostering ongoing dialogues about justice and reconciliation.

Related terms

Custer's Last Stand: The Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his troops of the 7th Cavalry were defeated by a coalition of Native American tribes.

Wounded Knee: A creek in South Dakota that became synonymous with the Wounded Knee Massacre, an event representing the brutal end of Native American resistance against U.S. government policies.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers and military forces from the 1600s to the 1890s, as settlers expanded westward into Native American territories.