When you start digging into Native American resistance, Crazy Horse is a name that jumps out. He was a Lakota warrior who fought fiercely to protect his people and their land.
Crazy Horse played a major role in pushing back against U.S. government forces trying to take Native territory. His actions stand as a symbol—really, a stubborn refusal to let Native freedom and culture be erased.
You’ll come across stories about Crazy Horse’s leadership in famous battles. His courage inspired Native tribes to keep resisting.
Understanding his story? It opens up the bigger picture of Native American resistance during a wild, changing era.
This guide highlights the main events and reasons behind the resistance led by Crazy Horse. It also gives you a sense of how these struggles still echo in Native American history.
Key Takeaways
- Get to know a major Native American leader who stood up to U.S. expansion.
- See the big battles where Native Americans defended what was theirs.
- Understand how this resistance shaped history, for better or worse.
Background of Native American Resistance
To get the full story, you’ve got to understand the pressure Native tribes—especially those in the Great Plains—were under. Their land, culture, and way of life faced constant threats from U.S. government policies.
These changes set the stage for resistance. Leaders like Crazy Horse rose up in response.
Native American Tribes and the Great Plains
The Great Plains were home to tribes like the Sioux. The Sioux included groups such as the Oglala, which was Crazy Horse’s band.
They followed the buffalo, hunting and moving with the seasons. Their survival and culture depended on this rhythm.
Buffalo meant everything—food, clothing, tools. Tribal life revolved around family and spiritual beliefs.
Open land and freedom to roam were non-negotiable.
These tribes weren’t just scattered groups. They had councils, respected leaders, and a web of traditions. The Plains shaped who they were.
Encroachment on Tribal Lands
Settlers moving west started pushing tribes off their ancestral lands. The government pushed this along—favoring farming, mining, and railroads over Native ways.
Towns, farms, and tracks popped up where buffalo once roamed.
Tensions rose fast. Tribes saw their survival at risk.
Buffalo herds were nearly wiped out, cutting off a lifeline. Many Native people were forced onto smaller patches—reservations.
Traditions, hunting, even tribal decision-making took a hit. Fear and anger grew.
Leaders like Crazy Horse weren’t having it—they stepped up to defend what was left.
Treaties and Broken Promises
The U.S. government signed a lot of treaties with tribes, usually promising land and peace.
But here’s the thing—most of those promises didn’t stick. Treaties got ignored or changed without tribal input.
Land that was supposed to be for tribes kept shrinking. Reservations replaced the open Plains.
These spots were smaller, sometimes barely liveable. It was a big blow to their way of life.
All this back-and-forth with treaties only fueled resistance. Crazy Horse and others fought to keep their people from losing any more.
Crazy Horse and Sioux Resistance
Let’s dive into Crazy Horse’s background, his style as a leader, and how he worked with Sitting Bull. This section also covers the strategies the Sioux used to protect their land and way of life.
Biography of Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse was a Lakota Sioux, born around 1840. He grew up learning the tribe’s traditions and values.
He became known for his bravery, earning respect by defending his people.
During the conflicts with the U.S. government, he became a central figure. His name is tied to the horse—speed, power, and freedom.
He wasn’t seeking fame. Crazy Horse was all about protecting his people’s freedom.
Leadership and Vision
Crazy Horse led with guts and a deep respect for Sioux traditions. His goal? Keep Sioux land safe from U.S. expansion.
He fought for survival, not for himself. His loyalty to his people and culture was unmistakable.
That courage made him a beacon of hope for the Sioux and others resisting colonization.
The Role of Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull was another big name who worked closely with Crazy Horse. While Crazy Horse was the battlefield leader, Sitting Bull brought political and spiritual guidance.
He was a chief and medicine man, known for uniting Sioux bands. His visions inspired people to resist.
Together, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull made a strong team. Their leadership helped organize resistance against settlers and soldiers.
Sioux Resistance Strategies
The Sioux used their knowledge of the Plains for surprise attacks and quick escapes. Crazy Horse’s skill as a warrior was a huge asset.
They stuck together, leaning on shared traditions and community. This unity made it tough for U.S. forces to break them.
Resistance wasn’t just about fighting—it was about holding onto religion and customs, too.
Crazy Horse’s role and Sioux strategies still stand as symbols of Native resistance.
Conflict and Confrontation
Now, let’s look at the tensions swirling around the Black Hills and how things got violent. You’ll see how the U.S. Army, especially General Custer, got involved in battles that changed the course of resistance.
Black Hills and the Emergence of Violence
The Black Hills were sacred to the Lakota and other tribes. When gold was discovered there in the 1870s, miners and settlers rushed in.
That broke earlier treaties and set off major conflict.
The government tried to clear Native Americans out to make way for mining and railroads. Buffalo, already dwindling, were hunted even more.
Violence grew as Crazy Horse and others pushed back.
The Role of the U.S. Army and General Custer
The U.S. Army was sent in to crush Native resistance. General George Custer led the Seventh Cavalry, trying to force tribes onto reservations.
In 1876, Custer’s forces ran into Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull’s warriors at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Custer misjudged their numbers and strength. The result? “Custer’s Last Stand”—the Seventh Cavalry was wiped out.
The battle became a symbol of Native resistance. It also led to harsher military campaigns.
Pivotal Battles and Lasting Impact
Here’s where you’ll see the key fights Crazy Horse led, and how these battles still echo today. There’s also a look at how Crazy Horse is remembered.
Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn happened in 1876 in Montana, near the river of the same name.
Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull led a large group of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors. They faced off against Custer and the U.S. Army.
Native forces outnumbered Custer’s men and won. This fight was a bold stand against U.S. land grabs.
Crazy Horse’s leadership was a turning point, showing just how determined his people were to defend their home.
Wounded Knee and the End of Resistance
Wounded Knee took place in 1890 in South Dakota. It marked the last major armed conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. Army.
U.S. troops attacked a group of Lakota—many connected to Crazy Horse’s generation.
It was a tragic scene, with many Lakota killed, including women and kids. Wounded Knee came to symbolize the loss of Native control after years of struggle.
Legacy of Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse remains a symbol of Native resistance and pride. His story is one of courage and standing up for culture against outside forces.
He was respected for his wisdom and spiritual leadership, not just his fighting.
His legacy still shapes Native identity. Many see him as a hero who refused to back down.
His life is a lesson in resilience and the importance of standing up for what’s right—even when the odds are stacked against you.
Commemoration and the Crazy Horse Memorial
The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota is a massive mountain carving dedicated to him. It’s still under construction and aims to honor all Native American tribes.
The site includes a museum and a cultural center focused on teaching about Native American heritage. Honestly, it’s a striking place for education and remembrance—kind of hard not to feel the weight of history there.