Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

What was the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn?

1. Victory for U.S. troops

2. Defeat of Crazy Horse

3. Destruction of Custer's forces

4. Surrender of Sitting Bull

The correct answer is: Destruction of Custer's forces

The outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn is best described as the destruction of Custer's forces. This battle, which took place in June 1876, was a significant conflict between the United States Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. The U.S. troops, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Custer, faced a much larger force of Native American warriors and suffered a devastating defeat. Custer's command was effectively wiped out, and this battle became one of the most famous instances of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion. The defeat had far-reaching implications for U.S. policy towards Native American tribes, leading to intensified military actions and the eventual relocation of tribes to reservations. While Crazy Horse was a leader in the battle, the outcome is not characterized as his defeat, as he emerged victorious alongside Sitting Bull and other leaders. Likewise, the battle did not result in the surrender of Sitting Bull, who became a prominent symbol of Native American resistance. The significance of the battle rests in the dramatic culmination of conflicts arising from U.S. policy towards Native American lands and rights during the westward expansion.