Battle of Little Bighorn

Definition

The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, was a significant armed engagement between the U.S. Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne. This battle is often viewed as a pivotal moment in the struggle between Native Americans and the U.S. government over land, sovereignty, and cultural preservation, reflecting the deep tensions and resistance within Native American culture and traditions during this era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The battle involved around 2,000 Native American warriors led by leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, who aimed to resist U.S. encroachment on their lands.
2. Custer's forces numbered approximately 600 men, but they were vastly outnumbered and faced a well-coordinated attack from the united tribes.
3. The defeat of Custer's troops at Little Bighorn became a rallying point for Native American resistance and is celebrated in some Native cultures as a symbol of their fight against oppression.
4. The battle took place in Montana near the Little Bighorn River and was part of a larger conflict during the Great Sioux War of 1876-77.
5. Following this battle, U.S. military strategy intensified against Native Americans, leading to further conflicts and ultimately the loss of Native sovereignty over their lands.

Review Questions

• How did the Battle of Little Bighorn reflect the broader cultural tensions between Native Americans and U.S. governmental policies?
  • The Battle of Little Bighorn was emblematic of the intense cultural tensions that existed between Native Americans and U.S. governmental policies during westward expansion. Native tribes were fighting not only for land but for their way of life, traditions, and autonomy in the face of aggressive encroachment by settlers and military forces. The battle represented a momentary triumph for these tribes, illustrating their resilience and commitment to preserving their culture amidst overwhelming pressure to conform to U.S. policies.
• Discuss the significance of leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse in relation to the events of the Battle of Little Bighorn.
  • Leaders like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse played crucial roles in uniting various Native American tribes against the U.S. military during the Great Sioux War, culminating in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Their leadership not only inspired their warriors but also represented a strong sense of identity and cultural pride among Native Americans. The victory at Little Bighorn showcased their military prowess and underscored their resolve to protect their lands and traditions against external threats.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Battle of Little Bighorn on Native American policy and U.S. relations with Indigenous peoples.
  • The long-term impacts of the Battle of Little Bighorn were profound, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Native Americans. In the wake of Custer's defeat, there was an escalation in military campaigns against Indigenous peoples, resulting in further loss of land and sovereignty. This battle intensified public sentiment against Native tribes, leading to policies that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society through boarding schools and land allotment acts, ultimately erasing many aspects of Indigenous culture while fostering systemic oppression.

Related terms

Custer's Last Stand: A term that refers to the final stand of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn, where they faced overwhelming opposition from Native American warriors.

Sioux Wars: A series of conflicts between the U.S. government and various Sioux tribes, primarily driven by disputes over land and treaties, culminating in events like the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Treaty of Fort Laramie: An 1868 agreement between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes that recognized Native land rights in the Black Hills, later violated by gold discoveries leading to increased conflict.