The Battle of Little Big Horn, fought on June 25, 1876, was an armed conflict between federal troops and allied Cheyenne and Sioux warriors. The discovery of gold in Montana pushed more settlers into this Western territory – with several tribes, including the Cheyenne and Sioux, refusing to move onto reservations. Led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, federal troops attacked the Native Americans, but were outnumbered and overpowered by these bands that were larger than Custer expected. 225 Americans, along with Custer himself, were dead. Despite the fairness of this defeat, the United States took the battle as a brutal and violent crusade conducted by Native Americans. Using this battle as justification, the United States pushed an aggressive policy that moved Native Americans out of their homelands and onto reservations. Americans executed this approach by portraying Native Americans as barbaric in the news following the Battle of Little Big Horn, establishing a narrative that many Americans believed. Native Americans were not allowed …show more content…
Spotted Horn Bull shared her story for the first time, providing the perspective of a non-fighter in the village during the Battle of Little Big Horn. In comparison to other accounts, her description is particularly interesting, as it offers a perspective outside of the traditional ones. She describes how “the women and children cried, fearing they would be killed,” adding a humanitarian aspect to a story that is traditionally militaristic. In addition, Mrs. Spotted Horn Bull describes a decisive victory for the Sioux tribe, detailing how “the white men were delivered into the hands of the Sioux.” In other words, Mrs. Spotted Horn Bull’s first-hand account contradicts many of the earlier American accounts. While these publicized pieces describe an evenly-matched battle, Mrs. Spotted Horn Bull’s narrative clearly suggests a firm conquest for her