GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE History GlossaryGhost Dance

Ghost Dance - GCSE History Definition

Reviewed by: Zoe Wade

Last updated

What is a Ghost Dance?

In GCSE History, the Ghost Dance was a sacred, traditional dance performed by the Indigenous peoples. It was one of the causes of the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.

A rumour spread that performing the Ghost Dance would bring back the dead Indigenous people and the white settlers would leave the Plains. As a result, Indigenous people performed the dance on multiple reservations. The Ghost Dance scared the US government as they believed it was a rebellion. As a result, the government sent in the Army, causing the death of the famous tribal leader, Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull's followers were killed in the following events known as the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Ghost Dance Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore our revision notes for Edexcel GCSE and AQA GCSE to see where the Ghost Dance fits into the revision notes for those specifications.

Explore Our GCSE History Revision Resources

Need help reaching your target grade? Explore our notes, questions by topic and worked solutions, tailor-made for GCSE History.

Explore GCSE History

Share this article

Zoe Wade

Reviewer: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History Content Creator

Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

The examiner written revision resources that improve your grades 2x.

Join now