Cavalry charge

Definition

A cavalry charge is a military tactic involving soldiers on horseback charging directly at the enemy to break their lines and create chaos. This tactic was widely used in battles to overwhelm opposing forces quickly, using the speed and momentum of the horses to disrupt formations. The cavalry charge often relied on surprise and rapid movement, which were key components in several significant military engagements, including conflicts during the Indian Wars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cavalry charge at the Battle of Little Bighorn was famously led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who underestimated the strength and tactics of the Lakota and Cheyenne forces.
2. Custer's 7th Cavalry was significantly outnumbered during the charge, which resulted in one of the most devastating defeats for U.S. forces against Native American tribes.
3. The terrain of the Little Bighorn River valley played a crucial role in the effectiveness of both the cavalry charge and the Native American strategies that countered it.
4. Custer's decision to split his forces before launching a cavalry charge was critical, as it left portions of his troops vulnerable and unable to support each other effectively.
5. The failure of the cavalry charge at Little Bighorn marked a significant turning point in U.S. military policy towards Native Americans, leading to a reevaluation of strategies employed in subsequent conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics involved in cavalry charges contribute to the outcomes of battles like Little Bighorn?
  • Cavalry charges were designed for speed and shock value, intending to break enemy lines before they could organize a defense. At Little Bighorn, Custer's cavalry charge aimed to catch Native American forces off guard. However, due to underestimating their numbers and strength, the tactic ultimately backfired, resulting in a catastrophic defeat for Custer's troops.
• Discuss the implications of Custer's cavalry charge at Little Bighorn on future military strategies employed by U.S. forces against Native American tribes.
  • The failure of Custer's cavalry charge at Little Bighorn highlighted the limitations of traditional cavalry tactics when facing well-organized Native American forces. In response to this defeat, U.S. military leaders began to develop new strategies that emphasized greater intelligence gathering, more effective use of infantry, and cooperation with other military branches. This shift aimed to avoid similar catastrophic losses in future engagements with Native tribes.
• Evaluate the role of terrain and environmental factors in shaping the effectiveness of cavalry charges, particularly in the context of Little Bighorn.
  • The terrain around Little Bighorn River significantly influenced both the cavalry charge and Native American strategies. The hilly landscape provided cover for Lakota and Cheyenne warriors, allowing them to utilize guerrilla tactics against Custer's troops. Additionally, the river valley's layout hindered visibility and movement for cavalry units, rendering their charges less effective. Evaluating these environmental factors demonstrates how terrain can alter tactical decisions and lead to vastly different outcomes in warfare.

Related terms

Cavalry: A branch of the military that fights mounted on horseback, traditionally used for rapid movement and flanking maneuvers.

Infantry: Soldiers who fight on foot and are typically the backbone of an army, often tasked with holding positions and engaging in close combat.

Charge: An aggressive and fast advance by troops towards the enemy, aiming to engage and overpower them through sheer force and speed.