Final answer:
The Battle of Little Bighorn was a significant defeat for the U.S. Army, where Colonel George Custer's forces were decimated by a coalition of Native American warriors led by Sitting Bull. The event marked the greatest loss of U.S. troops to Native forces during westward expansion, but did not lead to further major armed confrontations. Over time, historical perspectives have shifted to recognize the battle as an act of Native self-defense against U.S. aggression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Little Bighorn occurred on June 25, 1876, and was a devastating defeat for the U.S. Army. Led by Colonel George Custer, the Seventh Cavalry mistakenly attacked what they thought was a minor encampment but was actually a large coalition of Native American warriors. The force, primarily composed of Lakotas, Cheyennes, and Arapahos and led by the Hunkpapa Lakota chief Sitting Bull, was estimated to be nearly three thousand strong. Custer and his troops were overwhelmed, leading to a tragic loss of over 250 soldiers and scouts.
Despite this victory for Sitting Bull and the Native Americans, they did not engage in further major armed conflicts following Little Bighorn. Many returned to their tribal life or fled due to the fear of reprisals. Ultimately, increased military pressure from the U.S. Army led to the demise of the resistance and forced relinquishing of lands by various tribes, including the Blackfoot, Crow, Utes, and Nez Perce. Sitting Bull himself fled to Canada before returning and later appearing in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show.
Historically, the events of Little Bighorn were heavily influenced by a narrative of 'Indian savagery.' However, modern historical perspectives align more closely with the view that the Native Americans were acting in self-defense against an aggressive and foolish attack by Custer, who underestimated the strength and resolve of the indigenous forces.