Ep 5. The Dakota War of 1862

The Indian Wars: A Change of Worlds is an American historical television series that depicts the conflicts between Native Americans and European settlers during the 19th century in the United States. In season 1 episode 5, titled "The Dakota War of 1862," the focus is on the events that led to the uprising of the Dakota people against the white settlers in what is now Minnesota.

The episode begins with a brief history of the relationship between the Dakota people and the white settlers. The Dakota had initially welcomed the settlers, but as more and more of them arrived, tensions began to rise. The settlers took over more and more land, depleted the resources, and mistreated the Dakota people. In return, the Dakota, who were already suffering from the consequences of the treaties they had signed, were pushed to the brink of starvation.

The episode then delves into the events that triggered the uprising. The Dakota people had been promised annuities by the government, but due to bureaucratic delays, the payments were delayed. At the same time, the local Indian agent, Thomas J. Galbraith, was corrupt and withheld supplies from the Dakota. This led to an incident where a group of young Dakota warriors attacked a white settlement, killing several settlers. This incident triggered a series of attacks and counter-attacks between the two sides, leading to what is now known as the Dakota War of 1862.

The episode provides a detailed account of the war, including the battles fought, the atrocities committed by both sides, and the eventual defeat of the Dakota people. The war lasted for six weeks, during which time both sides suffered heavy casualties. The Dakota people were eventually defeated by the better-equipped and more numerous white soldiers, and many of them were either killed or captured.

The episode then goes on to explore the aftermath of the war. The Dakota people were put on trial, and over 300 of them were sentenced to death for their role in the uprising. President Lincoln eventually commuted most of the sentences, but 38 Dakota warriors were hanged in December 1862. The remaining Dakota people were forced to relocate to reservations in Nebraska and South Dakota, where they continued to suffer from poverty, disease, and cultural suppression.

Overall, the episode provides a sobering account of the Dakota War of 1862 and its tragic aftermath. It highlights the complex and tragic history of the relationship between Native Americans and European settlers in the United States, a history that continues to reverberate today.