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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee summary
Native America from 1890 to the Present
22 mins
Brief summary
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer is a historical account of the 500-year plight of Native Americans. It shows how they have persevered despite insurmountable odds and offers insights into how their experiences continue to affect the country today.
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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee
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For many, Native American history ended after the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee Creek.
On December 20, 1890, a group of more than 350 Miniconjou Lakota people left South Dakota's Standing Rock Indian Reservation, headed for the safety of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The Miniconjou, a subdivision of the Lakota tribe, were led by their chief, Spotted Elk.
Spotted Elk had decided to uproot his tribe because of tensions in Standing Rock. Earlier that day, police attempted to arrest a Hunkpapa Lakota chief, Sitting Bull. They feared he would stir unrest by promoting the Ghost Dance. This religious dance was believed to have the power to expel the white colonists from the land and return the New World to the Indigineous Americans.
The Lakota were enraged to see their chief forced onto his horse like a common criminal. One man, Catch-the-Bear, loaded his rifle and shot the officer pushing Sitting Bull. In the ensuing fight, eight police officers and eight Lakota were killed.
Fear of police reprisals against the Native Americans at Standing Rock convinced Spotted Elk to move his people to a different reservation. But, on December 28, part of the US Seventh Cavalry intercepted Spotted Elk’s band and redirected them to a camping spot on Wounded Knee Creek. The next morning, the rest of the Seventh Cavalry arrived and installed four cannons around the Lakota.
Next, soldiers entered the camp to search for weapons. One young Lakota man resisted, and a fight broke out. Five warriors threw off the blankets covering them from the cold, revealing their rifles, and began shooting at the soldiers. The soldiers returned fire, and while the Native Americans fought bravely, they didn’t stand a chance once the cannons roared to life. Women and children fled down the frozen creek, but the cavalry pursued and massacred them. When the fighting was over, 150 Native Americans lay dead.
Over the next 100 years, Wounded Knee took on huge symbolic importance. Partly thanks to Dee Brown’s influential book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, the public came to think of the massacre as the “end” of Native American history and culture – the final victory of the cowboys and European settlers over the Indigenous people. After this, the story goes, Native Americans wasted away in poverty, misery and anonymity on their reservations.
However, despite the best efforts of the US government, Native Americans and their culture haven’t been extinguished. Native American history did not end after Wounded Knee, and these blinks tell the rest of the story.
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What is The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee about?
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (2019) is a vivid history of Native America since the 1890 massacre at South Dakota’s Wounded Knee Creek. These blinks show that – contrary to popular opinion – in the twentieth century, Native Americans did not slide into obscurity and achieve nothing of note. On the contrary, this was a time filled with momentous and extraordinary events.
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee Review
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee (2019) explores the complex history and present realities of Native American life in the United States. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a fresh perspective on Native American history, challenging conventional narratives and shedding light on the resilience and cultural vibrancy of indigenous communities.
- Through insightful storytelling and meticulous research, the book examines the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Native Americans, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences.
- David Treuer's personal connection to the subject matter brings authenticity and depth to the book, creating a compelling and empathetic portrayal of Native American experiences.
Who should read The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?
- History students
- Government officials who could learn more about Indigenous cultures
- Americans unaware of modern Native American history
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The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee FAQs
What is the main message of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?
The main message of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is a nuanced and powerful exploration of the Native American experience from 1890 to the present.
How long does it take to read The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?
The reading time for The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee varies depending on the reader's pace. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is a captivating book that sheds light on forgotten histories and challenges our understanding of Native American narratives. A must-read for history enthusiasts.
Who is the author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?
The author of The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is David Treuer.
What to read after The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee?
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