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Ghost Dance: GCSE History Definition

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Natasha Smith

Published

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1 minutes

Contents

  1. 1. What is a Ghost Dance?
  2. 2. Ghost Dance Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

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

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Author
Reviewer
Zoe Wade

Author: Zoe Wade

Expertise: History

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.

Natasha Smith

Author: Natasha Smith

Expertise: History Content Creator

After graduating with a degree in history, Natasha gained her PGCE at Keele University. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Natasha taught history at both GCSE and A Level. Natasha's specialism is modern world history. As an educator, Natasha channels this passion into her work, aiming to instil in students the same love for history that has fuelled her own curiosity.

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