The American West (c1835-c1895): Battle of Little Bighorn 1876 - Consequences

Despite their victory, the Battle of Little Bighorn had severe consequence for Sioux nations and Plains Indians as a whole. Prior to the battle, the American public generally agreed with the government’s policy of trying to negotiate peacefully with Plains Indians. However, once news spread than 200 US soldiers had been murdered by the Sioux, public opinion quickly turned.

The Battle of Little Bighorn therefore transformed government policy towards Plains Indians. Now they aimed to keep Plains Indians strictly on their reservations. The government also used the battle as an excuse to ignore any previous treaties that had been made between the US government and Plains Indians. For example, the Sioux were forced to give up the Black Hills as the US government refused to give them food or supplies until they did so.

Finally, the US government decided they needed to enforce military control on Plains Indians. The Sioux’s weapons and horses were seized and soldiers patrolled the reservations.