Ghost Dance - GCSE History Definition

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.

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