Sitting Bull

Definition

Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader and medicine man, known for his role in resisting U.S. government policies that sought to displace Native American tribes during the westward expansion. He gained fame for his leadership during the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where he played a key role in the defeat of General Custer's forces. Sitting Bull symbolizes Native American resistance against U.S. expansion and the struggle to maintain tribal sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sitting Bull was born around 1831 and became a prominent leader of the Lakota Sioux during a time of intense conflict between Native Americans and settlers.
2. His most notable victory came at the Battle of Little Bighorn on June 25-26, 1876, where his forces defeated General Custer's troops, marking one of the most significant defeats for the U.S. military during Indian Wars.
3. Sitting Bull was not just a warrior but also a spiritual leader who sought to preserve Lakota culture and traditions in the face of encroaching Western influence.
4. After years of resistance, Sitting Bull surrendered to U.S. forces in 1881 and was later involved in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, which showcased Native American culture to audiences in the East.
5. He was ultimately killed by Indian Agency police on December 15, 1890, during an attempt to arrest him amid tensions surrounding the Ghost Dance movement.

Review Questions

• How did Sitting Bull’s leadership influence Native American resistance during westward expansion?
  • Sitting Bull’s leadership was crucial in uniting various Native American tribes against U.S. expansion efforts. His ability to inspire and rally warriors at battles like Little Bighorn showcased his strategic prowess and dedication to preserving Lakota lands and culture. He represented a broader resistance against the policies that sought to undermine Native American sovereignty, making him a key figure in this historic struggle.
• In what ways did Sitting Bull's actions during the Battle of Little Bighorn impact U.S. military strategies in dealing with Native American tribes?
  • The stunning defeat of General Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn forced the U.S. military to reevaluate its approach towards Native American tribes. The battle highlighted the effectiveness of tribal unity under leaders like Sitting Bull, leading to increased military campaigns aimed at subduing Native populations. Consequently, it signaled a shift from attempts at negotiation to more aggressive military tactics as the government sought to reassert control over these territories.
• Evaluate Sitting Bull's legacy and its significance in understanding contemporary issues related to Native American rights and identity.
  • Sitting Bull’s legacy is significant as it continues to resonate with contemporary discussions about Native American rights and identity. His life symbolizes the resilience of Indigenous peoples in facing colonialism and cultural erasure. Today, his story inspires movements advocating for tribal sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation. Understanding Sitting Bull's resistance provides a framework for recognizing ongoing struggles faced by Native communities in reclaiming their narratives and rights against historical injustices.

Related terms

Battle of Little Bighorn:

A significant battle in 1876 where Native American forces, led by Sitting Bull and others, defeated the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army, under General George Armstrong Custer.

Ghost Dance: A spiritual movement among Native Americans in the late 19th century that aimed to restore their ancestral ways and bring about a renewal of life through a dance believed to be sacred.

Reservation System: The policy established by the U.S. government to confine Native American tribes to specific areas of land, known as reservations, often leading to loss of their traditional lands and cultures.