The Battle of Little Bighorn and the Battle of Wounded Knee are two significant events in American history that highlight the conflict between Native American tribes and the United States government. While both battles are pivotal in the context of U.S. expansion and Native American resistance, they differ in their circumstances, key figures involved, causes, and outcomes.
Key People Involved:
Battle of Little Bighorn (1876):
- George Armstrong Custer: A U.S. Army officer and cavalry commander who led the 7th Cavalry into battle against the Native American forces.
- Sitting Bull: A Hunkpapa Lakota leader and spiritual figure, he played a crucial role in uniting various tribes against U.S. forces.
- Crazy Horse: A Lakota war leader who fought alongside Sitting Bull and led his warriors during the battle.
Battle of Wounded Knee (1890):
- Col. James W. Forsyth: The U.S. Army officer in command of the troops involved in the incident at Wounded Knee Creek.
- Sitting Bull: He was involved in the lead-up to Wounded Knee, as his death (by U.S. forces) heightened tensions among the Lakota.
- Red Cloud: A prominent Oglala Sioux leader who was part of the broader resistance against U.S. policies, though he was not directly involved in the Wounded Knee incident.
Causes for Fighting:
Battle of Little Bighorn:
- The primary cause of the battle stemmed from the U.S. government's encroachment on Native American lands, specifically following the discovery of gold in the Black Hills (part of the Dakota Territory). The U.S. government's attempts to force tribes onto reservations led to rising tensions.
- The conflict was also exacerbated by the U.S. government's failure to honor treaties and the increasing settlement of white Americans in traditionally Native lands.
Battle of Wounded Knee:
- The causes leading up to the Wounded Knee incident were rooted in years of oppression, broken treaties, and cultural destruction of Native American tribes, particularly following the Indian Wars.
- The Ghost Dance movement among the Lakota caused fear among U.S. authorities, who viewed it as a potential uprising. Tensions escalated after the death of Sitting Bull, and there was a desire to suppress the movement, leading to the confrontation at Wounded Knee Creek.
Outcomes:
Battle of Little Bighorn:
- The outcome was a significant victory for the Native American forces, with Custer and around 260 of his men being killed. This event is often referred to as "Custer’s Last Stand."
- The battle galvanized public opinion and military responses against Native Americans, leading to increased U.S. military campaigns aimed at subduing the tribes and ultimately resulted in their forced relocation onto reservations.
Battle of Wounded Knee:
- The outcome was a devastating defeat for the Lakota, with an estimated 150-300 Native Americans killed, including women and children, making it one of the last major conflicts of the Indian Wars.
- The Wounded Knee Massacre is seen as a tragic culmination of the U.S. government's campaign against the Lakota and is often viewed as a symbol of the brutal policies employed against Native Americans.
Conclusion:
In summary, while both the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Battle of Wounded Knee were significant events in the history of Native American resistance, they differ in context and impact. Little Bighorn, a battle characterized by fierce resistance and a temporary victory for Native forces, contrasted sharply with the brutal and tragic massacre at Wounded Knee, which symbolized the culmination of U.S. military campaigns against Native Americans. Both events illustrate the deep-seated conflict arising from U.S. westward expansion and its devastating effects on Native American communities.
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