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Why were 38 Dakota men hanged after the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862?

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A Cheyenne River Sioux dancer in colorful traditional regalia performs during the Grand Entry at a powwow, with an American flag and other participants in the background. — Oceti Sakowin A member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe performing during the Grand Entry at the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Fair Rodeo and Powwow, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, September 4, 2016.

Following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, 38 Dakota men were hanged in Mankato on December 26, 1862, in the largest mass execution in U.S. history.12

The conflict arose after the U.S. government failed to deliver treaty-mandated annuities, leaving the Dakota people starving while local traders refused to provide food on credit. In response, Dakota warriors led by Chief Little Crow launched an offensive against settlers and government agencies. Following the defeat of the Dakota forces, nearly 400 men were tried by a military tribunal. These trials were deeply flawed: the men were denied legal representation, and proceedings were conducted in English, a language foreign to many of the accused, with some trials lasting less than five minutes.12

While 303 men were initially sentenced to death, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln ordered a review of the transcripts. His administration determined that evidence supported the death penalty in only 39 cases; one man was later granted a reprieve, leaving 38 to be executed.2