The contrast between the accountability responses to Sand Creek and the Washita illuminates the extent to which the American system had normalized the violence it was deploying.

Sand Creek was met with investigation because it was understood — even within the military — as unauthorized and therefore requiring explanation.

Chivington had attacked a camp under military protection without specific orders from the military command.

The volunteers under his command were militia, not regular soldiers.

The attack was a violation of the norms that the regular military recognized, even when it shared the objective of removing the Cheyenne.

The Washita was not met with investigation because it was authorized.