The mechanisms for holding violators accountable were inadequate, and the political will to enforce treaty commitments consistently was absent.

Sand Creek happened because a territorial governor and a military commander, acting with the implicit authorization of a broader political culture that wanted the Cheyenne removed, used military force against a camp that had placed itself under military protection.

The subsequent investigation was thorough and the condemnation was real, but the consequences were minimal.

The political culture that had made Sand Creek possible did not change.

The Washita happened because the same dynamic — this time with the explicit authorization of the senior military command — produced another attack on a peaceful camp.