Battle_of_Little_Bighorn_documents_and_guiding_questions.docx

Name___________
Textbook
Battle of Little Bighorn
For years the Lakota Sioux conducted raids against white settlers who had
moved into Sioux lands. In response, the U.S. government ordered all Lakota Sioux to
return to their reservation by January 31, 1876. They refused. The situation was turned
over to the military.
About 2,000 Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho gathered near the Little Bighorn River.
The leader of the Sioux, Sitting Bull , conducted a ceremonial sun dance. He
reportedly had a vision of a great victory over soldiers.
The brash leader of the U.S. Army troops, Lieutenant Colonel George
Armstrong Custer , predicted victory as well. On June 25, 1876, Custer led his troops
into a headlong attack against superior numbers. Custer and his troops were quickly
encircled and slaughtered. The Battle of Little Bighorn was a tremendous victory for
the Sioux—but a temporary one. Now the U.S. government was even more determined
to put down the Indian threat to settlers.
Source: American Anthem, Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, 2006, p. 441.
Guiding Questions:
1. According to the textbook, what caused conflict between the Lakota Sioux and the
U.S. government?
2. Who started the Battle of Little Bighorn?
3. Why did Custer lose?
4. Do you think this account is an accurate description of the Battle of Little Bighorn?