Crazy Horse, an Indian military leader or the Oglala Sioux chief, was an individual who was distinguished from others because of his social conformity and personal power. Crazy Horse fought various famous battles, such as the war at the Little Bighorn, and was bold against the government’s efforts to confine the Sioux because of the Black Hills reservation.
He, together with the Cheyenne forces, launched an unexpected attack against the General in 1876. Later, Crazy Horse fought alongside Chief Sitting Bull in the battle on Little Bighorn. He later surrendered in 1877 and was killed by soldiers in a scuffle.
Born in 1840 in Rapid Springs, South Dakota, Crazy Horse was named Tashuknka Witco by his parents. He acquired the name Crazy Horse from his father, who passed it to him after noticing his warrior skills.
From a Native American perspective, Crazy Horse was a fearless and uncompromising leader of the Lakota people. He was committed to conserving and protecting his people’s way of life, which remains his significance or role to Native Americans.
Crazy Horse fought the U.S. federal government against white American settlers’ encroachment on the territory of Native Americans. The 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn resulted in victory, which earned Crazy Horse respect from Native Americans and their enemies.
From a historical viewpoint, Crazy Horse is significant because he led as many as a thousand warriors in the battle to flank the forces of Custer and seal the disastrous defeat of General George Crook. Several deaths occurred at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, leading to the place being called Custer’s Last Stand.