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Little Bighorn APUSH Definition: Key Battle + More!

The term references a significant armed conflict occurring in 1876 between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer. The event is generally studied within the context of Advanced Placement United States History courses as an example of Native American resistance to westward expansion and U.S. government policies. The historical importance lies in the comprehensive defeat of Custer’s command and the subsequent intensification of military efforts against Indigenous populations.

Its significance for examination lies in providing a focal point for understanding various historical trends, including westward expansion, the Indian Wars, and the differing perspectives on land ownership and sovereignty between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Examining primary and secondary sources related to this event allows students to analyze historical viewpoints, assess causes and effects, and evaluate the impact of government policies on Native American communities. Analyzing this helps illustrate the complex relationship between Indigenous people and the federal government during the 19th century.

APUSH: Little Bighorn Definition + Significance

The term references a significant armed conflict between the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes and the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. It occurred on June 25, 1876, near the Little Bighorn River in Montana Territory. The event is also known as Custer’s Last Stand, named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, who, along with his entire immediate command of over 260 men, was killed in the battle. This event is often a key topic within the Advanced Placement United States History curriculum.

This battle is important because it represents a pivotal moment in the history of conflict between the U.S. government and Native American tribes during the westward expansion era. The stunning defeat of Custer’s forces by a significantly larger Native American force temporarily halted the U.S. Army’s campaign against the tribes and intensified public debate over federal Indian policy. It became a symbol of Native American resistance but ultimately led to increased government efforts to subdue Native American populations and confine them to reservations.