American history Analysis

Reconstruction was the period in which many changes occurring in the North and South America were geared towards the restoration of union between these two continents. The Sioux were not impressed by the intrusion of the whites into their land and thus they defiantly left their reservation and came together in Montana to fight for their land. The Sioux took advantage of the hubris of the U. S army officers and overcame George A. Custer and his 200 men of 7th Cavalry. There were a series of war between the Lakota men and its allied tribes (Cheyenne) against United States.

The Wounded Knee Massacre was the major conflict between Lakota and United States. As the war receded, 25 troops and 150 Lakota men laid dead. The Battle of Little Big Horn was the pinnacle of Indian’s power over forces of United States. They achieved the greatest victory ever but were later threatened by the white onslaught. The Sioux nation later defeated after one year and their land (the Black hills) was left for white settlement. One of the threats to the Native Americans was diseases and displacement.

As most of them were forced to evacuate their lands, they lost their agricultural productivity and thus could not adequately get food for their well being. Many became malnourished, weak, and eventually succumb to death. Because of the hostility of the whites, the Sioux did not get access to Medicare services. It is worth noting that the Native American remained landless at the time the whites were intruding into their land. The most affected group in the population were the women and children since they were defenseless.

After the death of a popular hero of the Civil War on the eve of Centennial, U.S was greatly outraged. As a result, they demanded a harsh retribution which they received. The dispute over the Blacks was resettled and boundary lines drawn. The boundary line cut off the black hills from the Indian reservation thus leaving it opens for white settlement. After one year, the Sioux faced their defeat and this marked their last stand as well. Henretta clearly shows this when represents the Sioux as a good example of displacement of the Native Americans.

Thaddeus Stevens Issues There were two major issues that are associated with the reconstruction period. First, reconstruction did not succeed in altering the social structure, the wealth and power distribution of the South. This was a great disadvantage to the Native Americans. Secondly, there were significant legacies associated to Reconstruction which includes the 14th and 15th amendment which would be used a century after to protect the rights of the minority.

Reconstruction period is also characterized by three different plan which were, the Executive reconstruction, the Legislative Reconstruction, and the Judicial Reconstruction. Events The major events during reconstruction period include the three amendments to the constitution which affected the entire nation. The foundation of the reconstruction was based on the laws and constitutional amendment. The major events during this period include the establishment of the first public school in the South and the coalition between the Whites and the Blacks.