Little Bighorn

Definition

The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, was a significant confrontation between the U.S. Army and Native American forces, particularly the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne tribes. This battle is often referred to as Custer's Last Stand, as it ended with the defeat of General George Armstrong Custer and his troops, highlighting the intense conflict between Native Americans and U.S. expansionist policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Little Bighorn was part of a larger conflict known as the Great Sioux War of 1876-77, which arose from tensions over land and resources in the Black Hills.
2. Custer led the 7th Cavalry into battle against a vastly outnumbered force of Native Americans, estimated at 2,000 warriors.
3. The defeat at Little Bighorn was a significant moment in U.S. history as it temporarily boosted Native American morale and resistance against U.S. military actions.
4. Despite the victory for Native American forces at Little Bighorn, it ultimately led to increased military efforts by the U.S. government to subdue Native populations.
5. The battle is often romanticized in popular culture but reflects the tragic consequences of colonial expansion and the violent struggles faced by Native peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn reflect the broader tensions between Native Americans and U.S. government policies?
  • The events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn illustrated the escalating tensions between Native Americans and U.S. government policies, particularly surrounding land rights and resource extraction. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills led to increased white settlement and military encroachments into sacred territories of the Lakota Sioux, who were determined to resist these violations. This backdrop of broken treaties and aggressive expansionism set the stage for the conflict that culminated in Custer's Last Stand.
• Discuss how Custer's tactics during the Battle of Little Bighorn contributed to his defeat.
  • Custer's tactics during the Battle of Little Bighorn played a crucial role in his defeat. He underestimated the strength and resolve of the combined Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne forces, dividing his troops into smaller groups for an attack. This decision left him vulnerable as he faced overwhelming numbers without adequate support. His aggressive approach backfired, resulting in a catastrophic loss for his regiment, which is now often seen as a reflection of miscalculations common in colonial military strategies.
• Evaluate the impact of the Battle of Little Bighorn on U.S. policy towards Native Americans in the following years.
  • The Battle of Little Bighorn had significant repercussions for U.S. policy towards Native Americans in subsequent years. Following this defeat, there was a surge in anti-Native sentiment across America, leading to increased military campaigns aimed at subjugating Indigenous populations. The U.S. government intensified efforts to confine Native Americans to reservations and assimilate them into Euro-American culture through measures such as education reform and land allotment policies. This shift marked a crucial turning point in the relationship between Native Americans and federal authorities, reinforcing a pattern of resistance followed by repression.

Related terms

George Armstrong Custer: A U.S. Army officer known for his role in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars, particularly famous for leading the ill-fated campaign at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Lakota Sioux: A Native American tribe that played a crucial role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, resisting U.S. government encroachment on their lands and way of life.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers and military forces during the 19th century, resulting from westward expansion and broken treaties.