Battle of Little Bighorn 1876: Custer's Defeat — Reading Comprehension

The Battle of the Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, was a major turning point in the conflicts between the United States government and Native American tribes of the Great Plains. The battle occurred near the Little Bighorn River in present-day Montana. It is known for the defeat of Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer and his men by a coalition of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. This event was not only a military clash but also a struggle over land, culture, and the future of Native American sovereignty.

Several factors led to this dramatic conflict. The U.S. government’s desire to expand westward, especially after the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, put increasing pressure on Native American lands. The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie had promised the Black Hills to the Lakota Sioux, but gold prospectors and settlers ignored these agreements. The U.S. Army was sent to force Native Americans onto reservations. As Chief Sitting Bull described in a speech, "The life my people want is a life of freedom." This quote reveals the Native American motivation to defend their way of life and land against broken promises and outside threats.

From the U.S. Army’s perspective, enforcing government policy and protecting settlers was a duty. However, Custer and his men underestimated the size and resolve of the Native forces. Custer divided his troops into smaller groups, hoping for a quick victory, but this decision proved disastrous. In contrast, the Native coalition, led by leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, unified hundreds of warriors to resist. The battle ended with the annihilation of Custer’s force of over 200 soldiers, a rare and shocking defeat for the U.S. military.

The consequences of the battle were complex. For Native Americans, the victory was both a symbol of resistance and a cause for concern. Although they defeated Custer, the U.S. government responded with greater military force, eventually forcing most tribes onto reservations. For the U.S. public, Custer’s defeat became a rallying point, and his actions were often portrayed as heroic, even though strategic mistakes contributed to the loss. Historians now analyze the event as a result of conflicting interests, failed negotiations, and the consequences of westward expansion.

Comparing the perspectives of both sides shows the contradictions in the historical narrative. While the U.S. government emphasized order and progress, for Native Americans, the battle represented a fight for survival and self-determination. The significance of the Battle of Little Bighorn lies in its exposure of broken treaties, cultural misunderstandings, and the costs of expansion. The event continues to influence how Americans understand justice, resistance, and the complexity of history.

Interesting Fact: After the battle, some Native leaders, including Sitting Bull, escaped to Canada to avoid capture by the U.S. Army.

When was the Battle of Little Bighorn?

Who led the Native coalition in the battle?

What river was near the battle site?

Why did the U.S. Army send troops west?

What was the main motivation for Native resistance?

What did the quote from Sitting Bull show?

Custer's defeat led to fewer U.S. soldiers sent west. True or false?

What does "sovereignty" mean in the passage?