Sitting Bull

Definition

Sitting Bull was a prominent Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux leader and medicine man known for his role in the resistance against U.S. government policies aimed at displacing Native American tribes from their ancestral lands. He became a symbol of Native American resistance and unity, particularly during the Great Sioux War of 1876, which included the famous Battle of Little Bighorn.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sitting Bull was born around 1831 and became a respected leader due to his skills in leadership, vision, and military strategy.
2. He played a crucial role in uniting various Native American tribes to resist U.S. expansion into their territories.
3. Sitting Bull's leadership was pivotal during the Battle of Little Bighorn, where combined forces of Native American warriors defeated Custer's troops.
4. After years of exile in Canada following the defeat of his people, Sitting Bull eventually returned to the U.S. where he continued to advocate for Native American rights.
5. Sitting Bull was killed by Indian agency police in 1890 during an attempt to arrest him, as tensions rose surrounding the Ghost Dance Movement.

Review Questions

• How did Sitting Bull's leadership contribute to the unification of various Native American tribes during the resistance against U.S. expansion?
  • Sitting Bull's leadership was instrumental in bringing together different tribes under a common cause against U.S. expansion. His reputation as a strong leader and visionary allowed him to foster alliances among tribes that had historically been rivals. This unification was evident during significant events like the Great Sioux War, where he coordinated efforts to resist U.S. policies and protect their lands.
• Analyze the impact of the Battle of Little Bighorn on Sitting Bull's legacy as a symbol of Native American resistance.
  • The Battle of Little Bighorn marked a pivotal moment in both Sitting Bull's life and the broader struggle of Native Americans against U.S. encroachment. The victory over Custer’s troops not only elevated Sitting Bull's status as a leader but also became a rallying point for Native resistance across the continent. His role in this battle solidified his legacy as an enduring symbol of defiance and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Evaluate how Sitting Bull's death influenced the future movements for Native American rights and identity in the United States.
  • Sitting Bull's death in 1890 had profound implications for future movements advocating for Native American rights. It marked the end of an era of strong traditional leadership among tribes but also ignited a resurgence in cultural identity and activism. His legacy inspired subsequent generations to fight for their rights, leading to movements that focused on sovereignty, land reclamation, and cultural preservation, shaping the ongoing struggle for justice among Native Americans.

Related terms

Battle of Little Bighorn: A significant battle fought in 1876 between the U.S. Army, led by General George Custer, and a coalition of Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux, resulting in a major victory for the Native Americans.

Great Sioux War: A series of conflicts between the United States and various Native American tribes from 1876 to 1877 over land rights and the encroachment of settlers into Native territories.

Ghost Dance Movement:

A religious movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that sought to restore their lands and way of life, which was often associated with Sitting Bull and led to increased tensions with the U.S. government.