Ep 51. The Last Indian Wars

The History of the United States, 2nd Edition is a popular television series that delves into the vast and complex history of the United States of America. The show has garnered a large following due to its in-depth exploration of important events, figures, and movements that have shaped the nation's identity.

Season 1, Episode 51 is titled "The Last Indian Wars" and is an exploration of the conflicts that took place between Native American tribes and the United States military during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period is often referred to as the Indian Wars and was marked by violence, displacement, and cultural destruction.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the conflicts to come. Viewers learn about the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868, which was meant to guarantee the safety and rights of Native American tribes in what is now the western United States. However, the treaty was broken when gold was discovered in the Black Hills of South Dakota, leading to the rush of prospectors and settlers into the area. This led to the violent conflict known as the Black Hills War, which ended with the defeat of the Native Americans and the carving up of the land for mining and settlement.

The episode then explores the conflicts that arose as the United States government sought to expand its control over Native American lands and resources. One such conflict was the Nez Perce War of 1877, in which the Nez Perce tribe in the Pacific Northwest attempted to flee to Canada in an effort to avoid forced relocation. The United States military pursued the tribe for over 1,000 miles, engaging in skirmishes and battles along the way. The war ended with the capture of the remaining Nez Perce and their forced relocation to a reservation.

The show also explores the conflicts that arose as the government attempted to assimilate Native Americans into white society. The Indian Boarding School system was created with the intention of forcing Native American children to abandon their traditional ways and adopt white cultural practices. However, these schools were often brutal and abusive, and resulted in the loss of cultural heritage and language for many Native American communities.

Finally, the episode explores the last major conflict of the Indian Wars: the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. The massacre occurred when the United States military attempted to disarm the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota. A scuffle broke out, and the soldiers proceeded to massacre over 150 Lakota men, women, and children. The massacre marked the end of the Indian Wars and the beginning of a new era of forced assimilation and displacement for Native American communities.

Overall, "The Last Indian Wars" is a powerful and thoughtful exploration of a dark period in American history. The show effectively conveys the brutality and injustice of the conflicts while also highlighting the resilience and strength of Native American communities. This episode is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers and spark important conversations about the legacy of the Indian Wars in the United States.