Black Coyote Incident

Definition

The Black Coyote Incident refers to a tragic event during the Wounded Knee Massacre in December 1890, where an Indian man named Black Coyote was killed after a misunderstanding occurred when U.S. soldiers attempted to disarm the Lakota Sioux. This incident escalated tensions and contributed to the chaotic violence that ensued, leading to the deaths of many Native Americans, including women and children, as the soldiers opened fire on the group.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Black Coyote Incident occurred when U.S. soldiers attempted to disarm a group of Lakota Sioux, leading to a confrontation that escalated into violence.
2. Black Coyote was deaf and did not fully understand the orders given by the soldiers, which contributed to the tragic miscommunication.
3. After Black Coyote was shot, chaos erupted as soldiers began firing on the gathered Lakota Sioux, leading to the deaths of many innocent people.
4. The event is seen as a pivotal moment that highlighted the brutal nature of U.S. policies towards Native Americans during this era.
5. The Wounded Knee Massacre and the Black Coyote Incident are often viewed as symbols of the larger struggle between Native American tribes and U.S. governmental forces.

Review Questions

• How did the misunderstanding during the Black Coyote Incident contribute to the escalation of violence at Wounded Knee?
  • The misunderstanding during the Black Coyote Incident was crucial in escalating violence at Wounded Knee because it exemplified a tragic breakdown in communication. When U.S. soldiers tried to disarm Black Coyote, who was deaf and did not hear their commands, it led to his shooting. This act of aggression sparked panic among the Lakota Sioux and triggered an immediate response from soldiers who began firing indiscriminately, resulting in a massacre.
• Discuss the role of the Ghost Dance movement in shaping events leading up to the Black Coyote Incident and Wounded Knee Massacre.
  • The Ghost Dance movement played a significant role in shaping events leading up to both the Black Coyote Incident and the Wounded Knee Massacre by instilling hope among Native American communities. It was seen as a way to reclaim their traditional culture and resist U.S. oppression. As tensions rose due to fear from settlers and government officials about this movement, they perceived it as a threat, which ultimately led to increased military presence and violent confrontations like those at Wounded Knee.
• Evaluate the broader implications of the Black Coyote Incident within the context of U.S.-Native American relations during the late 19th century.
  • The Black Coyote Incident illustrates broader implications within U.S.-Native American relations by highlighting systemic issues of miscommunication, cultural misunderstanding, and violent enforcement of U.S. policies. This incident not only exemplified how Native Americans were often seen through a lens of suspicion but also showcased the tragic outcomes of such views, culminating in events like the Wounded Knee Massacre. It reflects a critical moment where Indigenous rights were disregarded, leading to long-lasting impacts on Native communities and further entrenching distrust between them and federal authorities.

Related terms

Wounded Knee Massacre: A devastating confrontation between the U.S. Army and Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Native Americans.

Ghost Dance: A spiritual movement among Native Americans that sought to restore their traditional ways and bring about the return of deceased ancestors, believed to be a factor in the lead-up to the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Sioux Wars: A series of conflicts between the United States and various bands of Sioux Indians in the 19th century over land and resources, culminating in events like the Wounded Knee Massacre.