The Sand Creek Massacre, a brutal and tragic event in American history, offers an essential learning opportunity for students. Fostering an understanding of the complexities surrounding the massacre, its causes, and its consequences can help young people become better-informed citizens. This article provides guidance on teaching students about the Sand Creek Massacre and effectively fostering critical thinking skills.

Background Information

Before diving into the specifics of the event, it’s important to provide students with context. Educators should consider covering the following areas:

1. Indigenous Peoples and Westward Expansion: Discuss the large-scale migration of white settlers into territories inhabited by Indigenous peoples during the 1800s. Address how conflicts arose due to differences in land usage concepts, religious beliefs, and cultural misunderstandings.
2. The Treaty of Fort Laramie: This treaty established boundaries between Indigenous tribes and the US government, yet remained poorly enforced for various reasons.
3. The Colorado Gold Rush: The discovery of gold in Colorado led to a rapid influx of miners from 1859 onwards, exacerbating tensions over land use and resources.

The Sand Creek Massacre

On November 29, 1864, a Colorado Territory militia led by Colonel John M. Chivington attacked a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho people at Sand Creek. Approximately 200 Indigenous men, women, and children were killed despite having settled on their allotted reservation land under a white surrender flag. Break down the key events leading up to and during the massacre for your students:

1. Tensions Rise: Outline conflicts that occurred in Colorado prior to the massacre which contributed to heightened animosity between settlers and Indigenous peoples.
2. Governor Evans’ Call to Arms: Explain Colorado’s Governor John Evans’ proclamation urging citizens to “kill hostile Indians,” which further inflamed tensions.
3. Camp Weld Conference: Discuss a meeting between Indigenous leaders and government officials in September 1864, where promises of safety were made should tribes peacefully settle on reservations.
4. The Attack: Provide an account of the Sand Creek Massacre itself, including Colonel Chivington’s orders to attack, the inhabitants’ attempts to plead for mercy, and the slaughter that followed.
5. Aftermath and Consequences: Detail the outrage, investigations, and condemnations that emerged after the massacre was exposed, but also note the lack of tangible punishment for those responsible.

Discussion Points

In order to encourage critical thinking and facilitate thoughtful conversations amongst students, consider these discussion points:

1. Historical Context: Explore why this event is significant within the larger narrative of American history.
2. Perspectives: Engage students in discussions about different perspectives on the massacre from Indigenous peoples, settlers, and military personnel of the time.
3. Ethical Considerations: Examine the ethical implications of Governor Evans’ urging Colorado citizens to kill “hostile Indians.” Weigh this against other instances of government-sanctioned violence against Indigenous peoples.
4. Implications for Today: Ask students to reflect on how this event shapes our society today and particularly impacts relationships between Indigenous peoples and the US government.

Conclusion

Teaching about events like the Sand Creek Massacre can be challenging but necessary for fostering well-rounded and informed generations. By providing historical context, fostering open discussions, and encouraging students to consider differing perspectives, educators can help students develop critical thinking skills that are integral not only for understanding history but also for engaging with modern society’s challenges.