Battle of Little Bighorn

Definition

The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, was a significant conflict between the United States Army and Native American forces, primarily those of the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. This battle is emblematic of the broader conflicts during the westward expansion, highlighting the clash between the ideals of Manifest Destiny and the resistance of Indigenous peoples to encroachment on their lands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Battle of Little Bighorn is one of the most famous battles in American history, often portrayed as a symbol of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion.
2. George Custer led the 7th Cavalry into battle with approximately 600 soldiers but underestimated the size and strength of the combined Native American forces.
3. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne, marking one of the few times that Native American forces defeated a U.S. Army contingent in open combat.
4. The aftermath of the battle led to increased military campaigns against Native Americans, as public sentiment pushed for retribution against those involved.
5. Custer's defeat galvanized support for U.S. policies aimed at further subjugation of Native Americans, contributing to their eventual loss of land and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did the Battle of Little Bighorn reflect the broader conflicts related to westward expansion?
  • The Battle of Little Bighorn showcased the intense struggles between settlers' desires for land and resources versus Indigenous peoples' rights to their ancestral territories. The clash occurred during a time when Manifest Destiny was a prevalent ideology justifying westward expansion, often at the expense of Native American nations. This battle symbolizes not only a military confrontation but also an ideological conflict over land ownership and sovereignty.
• Discuss the significance of Custer's tactics during the Battle of Little Bighorn and how they contributed to his defeat.
  • Custer's tactics during the Battle of Little Bighorn involved a divided assault against a vastly larger Native American force, which ultimately led to his downfall. He underestimated both the enemy’s strength and their resolve, resulting in poor strategic decisions. His overconfidence caused him to split his forces into smaller units that were unable to effectively coordinate against a unified opposition, leading to significant casualties among his men.
• Evaluate how the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn influenced U.S. policy towards Native Americans in subsequent years.
  • The outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn had profound implications for U.S. policy towards Native Americans in the following years. Initially celebrated as a significant victory by Native tribes, it incited fear and anger within settler communities, prompting calls for more aggressive military action against Indigenous populations. In response, U.S. government policy shifted towards a more militarized approach to Indian Affairs, leading to further conflicts and treaties that diminished tribal lands and rights across the Great Plains.

Related terms

Custer's Last Stand: A term often used to describe the Battle of Little Bighorn, named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who led his forces into battle and ultimately faced defeat.

Treaty of Fort Laramie:

An 1868 treaty between the U.S. government and various Native American tribes that guaranteed the Sioux ownership of the Black Hills, which were later violated by U.S. gold prospectors.

Sioux Wars: A series of conflicts between the U.S. Army and various Sioux tribes during the 1850s to 1880s, culminating in key battles including the Little Bighorn.