Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee summary
Dee Brown
Amy Erlich
Brief summary
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown is a powerful historical account that chronicles the tragic events and broken promises that led to the demise of Native American tribes in the late 19th century.
Topics
Table of Contents
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Plight of Native Americans
In Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown, we are taken on a heart-wrenching journey through the history of the American West, focusing on the period between 1860 and 1890. The book begins with the end of the Civil War and the subsequent westward expansion, which led to the displacement and destruction of Native American tribes.
Brown provides a detailed account of the various tribes' cultures, traditions, and ways of life, emphasizing their deep connection to the land. He then chronicles the series of broken treaties, forced relocations, and violent confrontations that the Native Americans endured at the hands of the US government and military.
Broken Promises and Betrayals
The narrative in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is punctuated by a litany of broken promises and betrayals. The government's policy of 'Indian removal' led to the Trail of Tears, where thousands of Cherokee people died during their forced relocation. The massacre at Sand Creek, where peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho were slaughtered, and the Fetterman Fight, where the Sioux annihilated an entire US army unit, are just a few examples of the escalating violence.
As the book progresses, we witness the relentless encroachment of white settlers, the depletion of buffalo herds, and the destruction of Native American food sources. The tribes, facing starvation and disease, were forced to sign treaties that ceded their lands and confined them to reservations.
Resistance and Defeat
Despite their dire circumstances, many Native American leaders, such as Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull, led valiant resistance efforts. However, their efforts were ultimately futile against the overwhelming military might and resources of the United States. The book portrays the tragic irony of the Native Americans' defeat, as they were fighting to preserve a way of life that was rapidly disappearing.
One of the most poignant moments in Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is the account of the Battle of Little Bighorn, where General Custer and his entire regiment were annihilated by a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. This victory, however, only served to intensify the government's resolve to subdue the Native American resistance.
The Final Blow
The book culminates in the tragic events at Wounded Knee in 1890, where the US Army massacred over 300 unarmed Lakota men, women, and children. This brutal act marked the end of the Indian Wars and the final blow to Native American sovereignty and independence.
In conclusion, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is a powerful and sobering account of the systematic destruction of Native American cultures and communities. Brown's narrative serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of colonialism and the enduring resilience of the Native American spirit.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee about?
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is a historical non-fiction book that chronicles the profound impact of American expansion on Native American tribes in the late 19th century. Through detailed research and gripping storytelling, Dee Brown sheds light on the injustices and tragedies endured by the indigenous people, giving voice to their untold stories.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee Review
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee (1970) tells the heartbreaking story of the Native American tribes' struggles against the US government's expansionist policies in the 19th century. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It offers a sobering and honest portrayal of the devastating consequences of westward expansion on Native American communities.
- Through extensive research and first-hand accounts, the book sheds light on a dark chapter in American history that is often overlooked.
- The author's nuanced and empathetic perspective helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and emotional impact of these events.
Who should read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
- Readers interested in Native American history and the impact of colonization
- Those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the injustices faced by indigenous peoples
- Individuals who appreciate well-researched and thought-provoking non-fiction books
Categories with Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
Book summaries like Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee FAQs
What is the main message of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
The main message of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is a poignant and powerful account of the devastating impact of American westward expansion on Native American tribes.
How long does it take to read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
The reading time for Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee a good book? Is it worth reading?
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee is worth reading for its eye-opening perspective on the tragic history of Native Americans. It highlights the need for understanding and reconciliation.
Who is the author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
Dee Brown is the author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
What to read after Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee?
If you're wondering what to read next after Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley