Little Bighorn: Why This Battle Still Echoes Today! [Explained]

The Battle of Little Bighorn, a clash involving the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, represents a pivotal moment in the history of the American West. The battle itself provides a striking illustration of the complex relationship between the U.S. Cavalry and the Native American tribes inhabiting the Great Plains. Examining the strategies employed by both sides reveals important insights. Indeed, understanding why was the battle of little bighorn significant requires an appreciation for its impact on westward expansion and the enduring legacy of intergroup conflict.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Extra History , from the video titled Sitting Bull: Battle of the Little Bighorn - Native American History - Part 3 - Extra History .

Structuring an Article on Little Bighorn: Why It Still Matters

To effectively answer "why was the battle of little bighorn significant" in an article titled "Little Bighorn: Why This Battle Still Echoes Today! [Explained]", the layout needs to comprehensively explore the historical context, the battle itself, and its lasting impact. Here’s a suggested structure:

Setting the Stage: Context Leading to Conflict

1. Westward Expansion and Native American Dispossession

• Explain the concept of Manifest Destiny and how it fueled westward expansion.
• Describe the treaties of the 19th century that continuously reduced Native American lands.
• Highlight the discovery of gold in the Black Hills and its impact on treaty agreements with the Lakota and Cheyenne.
• Detail the perspectives of both the U.S. government and the Native American tribes regarding land ownership and resource control.
• Use a map showcasing the shrinking Native American territories over time.

2. Key Players and Military Campaigns

• Introduce prominent figures:
  • From the U.S. Army: Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, General Philip Sheridan, General Alfred Terry.
  • From the Lakota and Cheyenne: Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Chief Gall.
• Summarize previous conflicts between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes, such as the Fetterman Massacre.
• Explain the U.S. Army's objectives in the summer campaign of 1876, focusing on forcing the "unfriendly" tribes back onto reservations.

The Battle of Little Bighorn: An Overview

1. The Battle's Progression

• Present a timeline of the battle, highlighting key events:
  1. Custer divides his forces.
  2. Reno's initial attack and subsequent retreat.
  3. Custer's engagement and defeat.
  4. Benteen's arrival and the defense of Reno Hill.
• Discuss the numerical advantage of the Native American warriors.
• Describe the terrain and its impact on the battle.

2. Tactics and Miscalculations

• Analyze Custer's decisions:
  • Why he divided his forces.
  • Potential reasons for his perceived recklessness or underestimation of the enemy.
• Examine the Native American battle strategies and coordination.
• Address the controversy surrounding the accuracy of historical accounts and the different perspectives offered by Native American sources.

3. Casualties and Immediate Aftermath

• Provide statistics on casualties for both sides.
• Describe the initial public reaction to the news of Custer's defeat.
• Explain the short-term consequences of the battle, including increased military presence in the region.

Why the Battle of Little Bighorn Was Significant

1. A Turning Point (or Lack Thereof?)

• Debunk the myth that the Battle of Little Bighorn was a decisive victory for Native Americans.
• Explain how, ultimately, the battle did not change the overall trajectory of the Indian Wars and Native American dispossession. The U.S. government intensified its efforts to subdue the tribes.
• Highlight the fact that it was a tactical victory, but strategically inconsequential in the long run.

2. Symbolism and Myth-Making

• Explore how the battle became a symbol of Native American resistance.
• Analyze the romanticized and often inaccurate portrayal of Custer in popular culture, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Discuss how the narrative of the battle has evolved over time, with greater emphasis now given to the Native American perspective.

3. Impact on U.S. Military Policy

• Detail the changes in U.S. Army tactics and strategies that followed the battle.
• Discuss the increased funding and resources allocated to the Indian Wars.
• Explain how the defeat influenced the military's approach to future engagements with Native American tribes.

4. Cultural and Historical Legacy

• Explain how the Little Bighorn remains a popular topic in books, movies, and documentaries.
• Discuss the ongoing debates and reinterpretations of the battle's significance.
• Highlight the importance of preserving the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument as a site for remembrance and education.
• Address the ethical considerations surrounding the representation of Native American history and culture.

5. Modern Echoes

• Discuss how the Battle of Little Bighorn continues to inform contemporary discussions about:
  • Indigenous rights.
  • Land ownership.
  • Historical memory and interpretation.
  • U.S. foreign policy and military interventions.
• Include modern examples of how the battle's legacy is invoked in contemporary debates, using specific examples.

• A table summarizing the key arguments concerning the battle's continued relevance could be beneficial. For example:

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  Unlock the Mystery: What is the Range of a Function?

  Argument	Explanation
  Indigenous Rights	The battle symbolizes the struggle for self-determination and land rights that continues to resonate with indigenous communities globally.
  Misrepresentation in History	It serves as a reminder of how history can be distorted to serve political agendas and the importance of including diverse perspectives.
  Military Overconfidence	The battle highlights the dangers of underestimating one's opponent and the potential consequences of hubris in military strategy.

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