1870s: Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876)
- As the nation commemorated its anniversary at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, on June 25, 1876, the 7th Cavalry led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer was defeated by Lakota and Northern Cheyenne warriors under Sitting Bull’s leadership in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
- This battle, while a significant win for the Northern Plains people against U.S. expansionism, signalled the start of the decline of Native American control over the Western territories.
- The Battle of the Little Bighorn resulted in a decisive victory for the Native American forces.
- It represented a challenge to the U.S. government’s efforts to expand its territory into Native lands.
- The defeat of Custer’s forces shocked the nation and led to a reevaluation of Native American resistance.
- The battle highlighted the strength and resilience of Native American tribes against U.S. military power.
- Despite their victory, Native American sovereignty over the West gradually eroded in the face of continued U.S. expansion and policies.
List of Major American Historical Events
List of Major American Historical Events: The story of the United States is like a big puzzle made of important moments that changed its path.
Splitting this story into decades helps us see how America grew. From when it fought for independence to when it fought for civil rights, these moments show us how America changed over time.
Let us discuss the Major American Historical Events in detail.