Little Big Horn: growing tensions and battle (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes
Little Big Horn: growing tensions and battle
Introduction
The Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876 stands as one of the most significant conflicts between the US government and Plains Indians during westward expansion. This devastating defeat of the 7th Cavalry, commanded by George Custer, resulted from mounting tensions over gold discoveries, railroad construction, and broken treaty promises. The battle highlighted the fierce resistance of Lakota Sioux warriors and became a symbol of both Native American defiance and the cost of American expansion.
The Battle of Little Big Horn is also known as "Custer's Last Stand" and represents the most famous military defeat of US forces by Native Americans in the Plains Wars period.
Background to the battle
The Northern Pacific Railroad and rising tensions (1873)
The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1873 marked a turning point in relations with the Lakota Sioux. As the railway approached Sioux hunting territories in Dakota, it threatened traditional ways of life and violated existing agreements. The Lakota Sioux, under leaders like Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, firmly rejected government attempts to relocate them to smaller reservations, recognising that such moves would destroy their culture and independence.
Railroad construction was a key driver of conflict because it brought permanent white settlement and disrupted buffalo migration patterns that were essential to Plains Indian survival and culture.
Gold discovery in the Black Hills
The situation deteriorated rapidly when thousands of prospectors flooded into the Black Hills of Dakota following gold discoveries. This influx directly violated the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868, which had guaranteed these sacred lands to the Sioux. When Sioux warriors began attacking the trespassing gold seekers, the American government offered to purchase the Black Hills. However, the Sioux leadership refused to sell their sacred territory.
The Black Hills were not just valuable land to the Sioux - they were sacred territory central to their spiritual beliefs. The government's failure to prevent trespassing prospectors represented a fundamental breach of the Fort Laramie Treaty.
Government ultimatum and growing resistance
By December 1875, bands of Sioux warriors led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse continued to attack prospectors and defend their lands. The American government declared that the Sioux had broken the Fort Laramie Treaty and issued an ultimatum: all Plains Indians must return to their assigned reservations within 60 days or face military action. However, harsh winter conditions made travel impossible, and many Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne warriors believed the government had already betrayed them through its failure to protect their treaty rights.
The 60-day ultimatum was issued during winter when Plains Indians traditionally remained in sheltered camps. The harsh weather made compliance physically impossible, suggesting the government may have deliberately set unrealistic conditions.
The gathering storm
Plains Indians unite at Little Big Horn
President Grant's declaration that any Plains Indians remaining outside reservations could be attacked prompted a massive gathering. By spring 1876, approximately 10,000 Plains Indians had assembled at the Little Big Horn River, including around 3,000 well-armed warriors. This represented one of the largest concentrations of Native American military force in the Plains Wars.
The scale of this gathering was unprecedented - 10,000 people represented multiple tribes (Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne) uniting in common cause. This level of inter-tribal cooperation was rare and demonstrated the severity of the threat they perceived.
Military response
General Sheridan received orders to defeat the assembled Plains Indians using American forces stationed at the Yellowstone River. Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, commanding the 7th Cavalry, chose to ignore instructions to march around the Wolf Mountains, hoping to reach the Plains Indian camp first and claim the glory of victory.
The Battle of Little Big Horn, June 1876
Custer's fatal tactical error
When Custer arrived at Little Big Horn, he was ordered to scout the situation and wait for reinforcements. Instead, driven by ambition and overconfidence, he made a catastrophic decision. Custer divided his 600 men into three separate groups, planning a coordinated attack from multiple sides. He personally led 200 soldiers into the valley to assault the Plains Indians from the north.
Custer's decision to divide his forces and attack immediately, rather than waiting for reinforcements, violated basic military principles. This tactical error proved fatal when facing a much larger enemy force.
The crushing defeat
Custer's tactical gamble proved disastrous. His forces found themselves vastly outnumbered and outmanoeuvred by experienced Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne warriors. The Plains Indians, led by the skilled warrior Crazy Horse, quickly surrounded and overwhelmed the divided cavalry units.
Custer's Last Stand, 25 June 1876
The final phase of the battle became known as "Custer's Last Stand" on 25 June 1876. Custer's men were completely surrounded and systematically destroyed by the Plains Indian force. Within hours, Custer and all 200 of his soldiers lay dead. Crazy Horse, demonstrating exceptional military leadership, had achieved a total victory that shocked the American public and government.
The complete annihilation of Custer's force was unprecedented in the Plains Wars. No soldiers survived to provide firsthand accounts, making it one of the most studied and debated battles in American military history.
Timeline of major events
- 1868: Fort Laramie Treaty guarantees Black Hills to Sioux
- 1873: Northern Pacific Railroad construction approaches Sioux territory
- 1874: Gold discovered in Black Hills, prospectors flood in
- 1875: Sioux warriors attack trespassing prospectors
- December 1875: Government ultimatum - 60 days to return to reservations
- Spring 1876: 10,000 Plains Indians gather at Little Big Horn River
- June 1876: General Sheridan orders military action
- 25 June 1876: Battle of Little Big Horn - Custer's Last Stand
Historical significance
The Battle of Little Big Horn represented both a spectacular Native American victory and a turning point in the Plains Wars. While Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and their warriors achieved a crushing military success, the defeat of Custer enraged the American public and government, leading to intensified military campaigns against Plains Indians.
Despite their overwhelming victory, the Plains Indians' success at Little Big Horn ultimately hastened their defeat. The American government responded with increased military resources and determination to force all Native Americans onto reservations.
The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Native American military tactics and the consequences of underestimating their determination to defend their lands and way of life. Studies show that the victory was achieved through superior numbers, knowledge of the terrain, and exceptional military leadership, particularly by Crazy Horse.
Key Points to Remember:
- Little Big Horn (1876) was the most famous defeat of US forces by Plains Indians, with Custer and 200 soldiers killed
- Multiple causes led to conflict: Northern Pacific Railroad construction, Black Hills gold rush, and violations of the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868
- Key Native leaders Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse united Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne warriors totaling 3,000 fighters
- Custer's tactical error - dividing his 600 men into three groups instead of waiting for reinforcements - led to total defeat
- The battle's aftermath intensified government efforts to force Plains Indians onto reservations and marked a turning point in the Plains Wars