The Battle of Little Big Horn

The year in which The Battle of Little Big Horn was fought was 1876, yet its significance is found in the fact that it was the culmination of some 400 years of wars between the various tribes of Native Americans on one side, and the American military at the other end. According to the history of the said battle, some two hundred and sixty soldiers lost their lives, yet the same also provided for two important events. The first, this battle was a victory for the two principle tribes of Sioux and Cheyenne involving approximately four thousand brave Indian soldiers. Secondly, the Battle of Little Big Horn was also the culmination of all earlier battles spread over a period of some 4 centuries, hence its importance in the books of American and world history.

A brief overview on the reasons and factors for the onset of this particular 'Battle of Little Big Horn' reveals that by the year 1876, most of the Native Americans had been forced to reside in specific territories and given the name of 'Reservations'. Yet there were still pockets of Native Americans who refused this forced migration within their homeland, and areas where they had been living for centuries prior to the arrival of the white settlers from the European continent. One factor, which perhaps served as the pivotal role, was the discovery of gold in the regions of Black Hills, home to the famous Sioux and Cheyenne nation of Native Americans. Though majority of these tribes agreed to leave these areas where gold was discovered, yet there were few brave Indians who sought to battle for their rights for their ancestral lands, and hence the subject battle. (Dorfman, 2002)

An overview from the perspective of the American colonists reveals that the nation has already come out of the traumas of the Civil War, and had just begun to settle down with opportunities for practically every white settler found in the different areas of agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The involvement of Native American tribes was assumed to be a hurdle for those interested in mining, and that too for the precious commodity of gold.

For the American military, the best choice was that of Custer, the youngest officer to become a Brigadier General in the entire American history. Custer was not only the bravest soldier, he also brought with him nearly a decade of experience having fought in the recently concluded Civil War, as well as a number of expeditions against the Native Americans. In addition, such was his style and bravery, that young Custer had equally been praised by the Native American tribes duly earning him the name of "Yellowwhair".

On viewing some of the factors that led to the disastrous defeat at the hands of the Native Americans, one may observe that Custer was totally unaware of the recent defeat of General George Crook, who had lost a bloody skirmish against Chief Crazy Horse near Rosebud River. Though General Crooks were far greater in number as well as far well equipped in terms of war equipment. Crooks defeat was purely on the grounds of ferocity and the mighty willpower, which forced the Native Americans to stand strong against their stronger adversary, ultimately providing them the needed victory. It is believed that, had Custer known about General Crook's defeat, there were chances that he may save his own life as well as those of his men. Perhaps, even changed the course of history, which took down the life of one of the bravest soldiers of the American military. (Dorfman, 2002)

Another factor which proved to be an adversary, and which led to Custer's ultimate and fateful defeat against the Native American tribes was the humid climate, and the hazy atmosphere due to the dust from thousands of Indian horsemen. Though Custer had positioned himself on a hilltop, this hardly provided any leverage to Custer as he or his men could barely view the thousands of Indian war ponies duly mounted by brave Indian soldiers who were hidden amongst the deep ravines scattered across the valley below. Thus, both the sheer strength, the strategy of using the ravines, and hazy and humid temperature of the fateful day provided more than a convincing set of factors for the Native Americans to gain one of the most decisive victories against the American military. (Dorfman, 2002)

Though a miscalculated military strategy, revenge, and failure to take into consideration the strength and sheer ferocity and willpower of the Native Americans contributed to the losses suffered by some of the bravest soldiers in the American military. Yet, to this day, the regions where American soldiers were found dead, one may find markers, denoting a mark of respect for the brave soldiers. These markers are also witnesses to the apathy of the then US government, which betrayed their own soldiers through lies and false promises. Thus, totally ignoring the gallantry and bravery, both of which mark the essence of our brave soldiers, even to this day.