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Causes and Effects of the Battle of the Little Bighorn: A Comprehensive Analysis

Edwin Blair

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Published in Last Stand: Causes And Effects Of The Battle Of The Little Bighorn (Cause And Effect: American Indian History)

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The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, remains an iconic event in American history. On June 25, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer led the 7th Cavalry Regiment into a battle against a coalition of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory. The result was a decisive victory for the Native American forces, who annihilated Custer's regiment and inflicted one of the most significant defeats ever suffered by the United States Army.

Causes

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a culmination of several complex and intertwined factors, including:

1. Broken Treaties and Encroachment on Native American Lands:

Last Stand: Causes and Effects of the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Nadia Higgins

4 out of 5

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One of the primary causes of the conflict was the ongoing encroachment by white settlers and miners on Native American territories. The United States government had repeatedly violated treaties that had been signed with the Lakota and other tribes, leading to widespread resentment and distrust.

2. The Discovery of Gold in the Black Hills:

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills, which were considered sacred to the Lakota, further exacerbated tensions. White miners illegally invaded the area, leading to conflicts and the killing of several Native Americans.

3. The Failure of Diplomatic Negotiations:

Efforts to negotiate a peaceful resolution between the United States government and the Lakota leaders ultimately failed. The government demanded that the Lakota surrender and return to their reservations, while the tribes refused to abandon their sacred lands.

4. Custer's Aggressive Military Strategy:

Lieutenant Colonel Custer, who was known for his aggressive tactics, was tasked with leading the campaign against the Lakota. He believed that a decisive victory would force the tribes into submission. However, Custer underestimated the strength and determination of his opponents.

Effects

The Battle of the Little Bighorn had profound consequences for both the United States and the Native American tribes involved:

1. Loss of Native American Lives and Lands:

The battle resulted in the deaths of over 250 Native American warriors, including several prominent leaders. The tribes also lost a significant portion of their lands, as the United States government asserted control over the region.

2. End of the Plains Indian Wars:

The Battle of the Little Bighorn marked a turning point in the Plains Indian Wars. The US Army's defeat shattered the myth of white invincibility and led to a reassessment of the government's Indian policy.

3. Establishment of Indian Reservations:

In the aftermath of the battle, the US government implemented a policy of forcing Native American tribes onto reservations. This policy was designed to isolate and control the tribes, but it also had the effect of preserving their cultures and traditions.

4. Erosion of Native American Sovereignty:

The battle and subsequent conflicts weakened the sovereignty of Native American tribes. The US government gradually asserted more and more control over tribal affairs, including the management of resources, education, and law enforcement.

5. Rise of the Indian Rights Movement:

The Battle of the Little Bighorn and its aftermath galvanised Indian rights activists and led to the formation of organizations that fought for Native American rights and self-determination.

The Battle of the Little Bighorn was a watershed moment in American history that had a profound impact on both the United States and the Native American tribes. The causes of the battle were complex and interconnected, including broken treaties, land encroachment, and failed negotiations. The effects of the battle were far-reaching, leading to the loss of Native American lives and lands, the end of the Plains Indian Wars, and the establishment of Indian reservations. The battle also sparked a movement for Indian rights that continues to this day.

Last Stand: Causes and Effects of the Battle of the Little Bighorn (Cause and Effect: American Indian History)

by Nadia Higgins

4 out of 5