The 19th century was a tragic century, especially for the indigenous peoples of colonial regions and countries. Both the United States and East Africa are typical examples of countries that transitioned from being colonies. While East Africa persecuted the indigenous peoples of southern Africa, Americans were doing the same.
In the same year, 1890, the Battle of Wounded Knee, or referred to as the "Wounded Knee Massacre," occurred in the United States. On December 29, 1890, the Battle of Wounded Knee stood as a landmark event in American history, being the last armed conflict against Native Americans, marking a tragic end to over three hundred years of Indian wars.
Indeed, with such comparisons, Ernst's approach to the Black people seemed incredibly "merciful," as it was relatively more "humane" compared to massacres.
