The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand, was a significant confrontation during the American Indian Wars, occurring in Montana in 1876. This battle unfolded as part of the U.S. government's efforts to impose control over Native American lands in the Black Hills, which had been guaranteed to the Lakota people by the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868. The discovery of gold in the Black Hills ignited an influx of settlers and miners, leading to tensions and a series of conflicts between Native Americans and U.S. forces. Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, in command of the 7th Cavalry Regiment, sought to engage the large encampment of Native American tribes that had gathered in resistance to this violation of treaty rights.

On June 25, Custer divided his forces into three battalions in an attempt to surround the encampment of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. However, he severely underestimated the strength and tactics of his adversaries. The Native American forces, led by key leaders such as Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse, were ready for battle. About 5,000 warriors rallied to protect their people and territory. As Custer's forces advanced, they encountered overwhelming opposition that encircled them. Overwhelmed and outmatched, Custer's troops were completely wiped out in a matter of hours, culminating in a fierce fight that would go down in history as a monumental loss for the U.S. Army.

The battle not only marked a defining moment in Native American resistance against U.S. expansion but also showcased the tactical prowess and determination of the Plains tribes. In the aftermath, the U.S. government reacted by intensifying military campaigns against Native Americans, ultimately leading to their forced relocation and the downfall of many tribal cultures.