The Battle of the Little Bighorn: An Epic Conflict and a Turning Point in American History

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, is one of the most legendary battles in American history. Fought on June 25, 1876, between the United States Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, the battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Native Americans and the death of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his entire command.

A Good Day To Die: The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Legendary Battles of History Book 1)

by Francis Hayes

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3013 KB
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Prelude to the Battle

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was the culmination of escalating tensions between the United States government and the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes of the Northern Plains. In 1868, the Treaty of Fort Laramie had established the Great Sioux Reservation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. However, in 1874, gold was discovered in the Black Hills, and white settlers began to encroach on the reservation.

In response to the invasion of their land, the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes left the reservation and went to war against the United States. In May 1876, General George Crook led a force of soldiers against the Native Americans, but he was defeated at the Battle of the Rosebud Creek.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn

On June 25, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry Regiment attacked a large encampment of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors on the banks of the Little Bighorn River in Montana. Custer divided his regiment into three battalions and ordered them to attack the village from three different directions.

The Native American warriors, led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, were well-prepared for the attack. They had dug trenches and rifle pits, and they were armed with modern weapons. The Native Americans also outnumbered the U.S. soldiers by more than two to one.

The battle began at about 2:30 p.m. The Native Americans initially fought defensively, but they soon went on the offensive. They surrounded the 7th Cavalry's three battalions and attacked them from all sides.

The U.S. soldiers fought bravely, but they were outmatched. They were killed one by one, and by the end of the battle, Custer and all of his men were dead. The battle lasted for about three hours, and it resulted in the deaths of 268 U.S. soldiers and an unknown number of Native Americans.

Aftermath of the Battle

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a major victory for the Native Americans, and it marked a turning point in the Indian Wars. The U.S. government was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes, and the Black Hills were returned to the Great Sioux Reservation.

The battle also had a profound impact on American history. It shattered the myth of white superiority, and it showed that the Native Americans were capable of fighting and winning against the U.S. Army. The battle also helped to galvanize support for the Indian rights movement, and it played a role in the eventual passage of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of the Little Bighorn is still remembered as one of the most important battles in American history. It is a reminder of the tragic consequences of conflict between different cultures, and it is a testament to the courage and resilience of the Native American people.

Today, the Battle of the Little Bighorn is commemorated at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana. The monument includes the site of the battle, as well as a museum and a visitor center. The monument is a popular tourist destination, and it is a place where people can learn about the battle and its historical significance.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a complex and tragic event that had a profound impact on American history. It was a battle that was fought between two very different cultures, and it was a battle that resulted in the deaths of many brave men. The battle is still remembered today as one of the most important battles in American history, and it is a reminder of the tragic consequences of conflict between different cultures.

A Good Day To Die: The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Legendary Battles of History Book 1)

by Francis Hayes

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3013 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE