Texas A&M University (TAMU) HIST106 Practice Exam 1

The significance of the Battle of Wounded Knee lies primarily in the tragic loss of life it caused, particularly among Sioux women and children. This event, which occurred on December 29, 1890, is often viewed as the final violent confrontation in the series of conflicts between the United States government and Native American tribes, marking a grim milestone in American history.

The battle resulted from tensions surrounding the Sioux's Ghost Dance movement and the U.S. government's efforts to suppress Native traditions and cultures. During the confrontation, approximately 300 Sioux people were killed, many of whom were non-combatants, making it a heartbreaking example of the broader conflict and ongoing violence faced by Native American communities. This event is significant not only for the immediate loss of life but also for its emblematic representation of the destructive policies and attitudes towards Native Americans at the time.

The other options describe events or implications that do not accurately capture the essence of the battle's importance. While the battle can be framed as ending the Indian Wars with a significant military action (which hints at a clear victory), it is essential to understand the context of that "victory" in terms of its human cost. Claims about modern warfare tactics or beginnings of peace negotiations are misaligned with the reality of