Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

Which event involved a group of Cheyenne Indians being massacred by American troops in Colorado?

1. Sand Creek Massacre

2. Wounded Knee Massacre

3. Little Bighorn Battle

4. Trail of Tears

The correct answer is: Sand Creek Massacre

The event that led to the massacre of a group of Cheyenne Indians by American troops in Colorado is referred to as the Sand Creek Massacre. This tragic incident occurred on November 29, 1864, when U.S. volunteer soldiers attacked a peaceful encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho people near Sand Creek. The attack resulted in the deaths of numerous men, women, and children, significantly impacting relations between Native American tribes and the United States government. The Sand Creek Massacre is a poignant example of the violent conflicts that arose during westward expansion and reflects the broader themes of U.S. policies towards Native Americans during the 19th century. The aftermath of this event heightened tensions and fueled further conflicts between Native Americans and settlers, marking a dark chapter in American history. In contrast, the Wounded Knee Massacre involved the killing of Lakota Sioux in 1890, the Little Bighorn Battle was a notable conflict between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes in 1876, and the Trail of Tears refers to the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands during the 1830s. Each of these events represents different facets of Native American history and the U.S. government's treatment of