FREE ESSAY ON WOUNDED KNEE

WOUNDED KNEE

This book brings to light, and places front and center, possibly the most significant
event in American history. That is, the genocide and displacement of the native
inhabitants of what was, or would become, the United States of America, thus enabling the
formation of the worlds most powerful republic. It is difficult to imagine how most
readers, particularly those who are American citizens, would not have their personal
perspective or opinion altered, in some small measure at least, by the historical events
described within. 
Dee Brown makes prodigious use of footnotes and bibliography, from Congressional Records
to U.S. Army treaties. The author documents the scope and breadth of racism held by most
whites at the time toward the brown skinned natives, by people such as President Abraham
Lincoln, to General Phillip the only good Indian is a dead Indian Sheridan. You will
learn how Congress gives the movement a politically expedient and identifiable name,
calling it Manifest Destiny. Vestiges of this philosophy continue today. For example,
what percentage of American's give little or no second thought when considering the idea
that the nation most certainly should extend from sea to shining sea. The reader learns
of various significant Indian battles, and defeat, which took place across the land. Such
as the Black Hills, Paha Sapa, an island of conifer forest amongst the vast grasslands of
the high plains, and held sacred by the Sioux. How ironic it is that this desperately
defended Indian ground once lost, is later to be even further desecrated when it among
all places is chosen as the site for which the massive likeness of 4 white leaders shall
be carved into the very heart of the revered mountains. (Mt. Rushmore) To the reader, the
words Sand Creek, Red Cloud, and Ghost Dance will acquire a new lifelong meaning, which
is probably as it should be. This captivating and heart wrenching book concludes with a
final scene taking place shortly after the massacre at Wounded Knee. It is a cold
December day in South Dakota. Dead and injured Indians are being laid to rest along the
straw covered floor of an Episcopalian church. A banner over the pulpit reads, PEACE ON
EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN.