Battle of the Little Bighorn

Describe the landscape Lieutenant Varnum and the U.S. Army saw as they prepared for battle.

• Mountainous terrain with rocky outcrops

• Wide prairies of southern Montana with a little river valley, including a creek with rianbow trout.

• Dense forest with thick undergrowth

• Urban ruins with scattered remnants

Why were scouts important at the Battle of the Little Bighorn?

• They gathered food to feed the soldiers.

• They gathered information about the enemy and reported it to Custer.

• They reported information about the U.S. Army to the Native Americans.

• B and C

• They listened carefully for bears and other wild animals that might attack the army.

Why didn’t Custer take the advice of the Arikara and Crow scouts?

• He misjudged the strength of the enemy because he could only see the edge of the village.

• He didn’t know that the Arapahoe and Cheyenne would fight with the Lakota against the U.S. Army.

• He thought that the timing was right to win the battle and possibly end the war with the Native Americans.

• He was known as a reckless leader.

• All of the above

What led to the Black Hills War? Use text evidence to support your answer.

Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were revered Lakota leaders who instilled respect in their followers in different ways. How were they similar? How were they different? Use text evidence to support your response.

The landscape made it difficult for the U.S. Army to attack because it hindered their movement with its rough and uneven terrain.

• It hindered their movement due to rough terrain.

• It provided cover for the attackers.

• It improved supply routes.

• It offered clear lines of sight.

Why is the Battle of the Little Bighorn often referred to as Custer’s Last Stand?

• Despite being outnumbered, the U.S. Army defeated the Lakota.

• Custer died in the battle, so this battle was his last effort to fight against the enemy.

• Sitting Bull had a vision of Custer standing on the hill.

• All of the above

How did the outcome of the Battle of the Little Bighorn affect the Lakota?