bitter about the way they were being treated by the white invaders. They were being forced to give up their lands, including those which were used for the hunting of buffalo and other game. In addition to this loss of land, the Sioux were troubled by the fact that white men were killing off the game itself. Without buffalo and other essential hunting animals, the Sioux were unable to obtain the food and materials for clothing that they needed for survival. The U.S. government set up reservations in the area with the idea that they would help provide for such necessities. However, the reservations really served little purpose other than to suppress the activities of the Indians. The Sioux tribes in the area resented being placed on reservations and thus being at "the mercy of government annuities." Furthermore, corruption among white agents often made it difficult for the reservation Indians to obtain government-issued food, clothing and other necessities.
The situation in the area became worse when gold was discovered in the Black Hills. As white prospectors poured into the area, the grievances of the Sioux were further inflamed. An increasing number of local rebellions broke out, and the U.S. Army was called in to restore order. This period, which began shortly after the end of the Civil War, became known as the period of "Indian Wars" in America. One famous confrontation which occurred during this time involved the 7th Cavalry and the Sioux Indians. In 1876, at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Chief Sitting Bull led a successful raid on a division of the 7th Cavalry which was under the command of General George Custer. This legendary defeat became a sore spot for white settlers and soldiers who were seeking the total submission of the Indian tribes. In fact, some historians believe that the massacre at Wounded Knee might have come about as a result of the soldiers in the 7th Cavalry wanting revenge for this event...