Final answer:
The conflict between the Lakota Sioux and the US government arose over control of the Black Hills and the gold therein, resulting in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Perception of Custer's 'last stand' has transitioned from heroism to a recognition of US imperialism. Tribes had varied experiences due to factors such as location, resources, leadership, and US policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conflicts between the Lakota Sioux and the US government in the 1870s primarily stemmed from the US's desire to gain control of lands in the Black Hills, which were sacred to the Sioux, and to capitalize on the gold discovered there. This led to the Great Sioux War of 1876-77, which included the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn, where George Armstrong Custer and his forces were defeated. Over the past century and a half, perspectives on this historical event have evolved greatly, with the initial view of Custer's 'last stand' as a heroic sacrifice giving way to more nuanced understanding of the US’s imperialistic policies and disregard for Native American rights.
Comparing the experiences of tribes like the Lakota Sioux, Prairie Pottawatomi, Modoc, Apache, Nez Perce, Utes, and Navajo, reveals significant differences in their interactions with the US government, land displacement, and resistance strategies. Variables that contributed to their varied experiences could include geographical location, natural resources, military strategies, leadership qualities, and the differing policies and treaties imposed by the US government.