AP+2016+George+Armstrong+Custer

1:George Armstrong Custer 2: Tristan Davis 3:  __Aim:__ George Armstrong Custer was a Civil War cavalry leader best known for his defeat in the Battle of Little Bighorn. From a very young age, his intentions for future endeavors were very clear, as “he drew a cavalry assignment, and his boldness in battle brought rapid promotions. At twenty-three he was the youngest brevet brigadier general in the US army” (History). Custer moved through the ranks a such a rapid pace, eventually becoming the leader of the US Army’s Seventh Cavalry. However, his rapid ascent through the army led to one of the most controversial battles in US history. Custer led his cavalry of 647 men into a battle against about 2,500 Indian Warriors, directly betraying direct orders not to advance. Custer along with 250 of his men lost their lives in this famous battle, as he advanced without reinforcements or support and was ultimately outnumbered. His reckless behaviors and resentment of superior officials was evident in his defeat, but his courage was the driving force behind his choices and actions.

__Audience:__ George Armstrong Custer was known by his soldiers and the public alike as a very courageous leader. His military status and achievements throughout the Civil War “continued to distinguish himself in the eyes of the military and public, leading the 7th Cavalry regiment against Native Americans” (Biography). Although he was a revered leader, the incident at the Battle of Little Bighorn cast a negative light on his military leadership. However, this embarrassing loss for the US only inspired the public and soldiers to fight harder and come back stronger than ever. After Custer’s death, his wife wrote many accounts of his life, allowing his heroic efforts and courage to remembered by all. What became known as “Custer’s Last Stand” still could not be covered by heroic stories of his life, as this battle was an embarrassing loss for the US and a misrepresentation of who he was a military leader.

__Historical:__ Born in New Rumley, Ohio on December 5, 1839, George Custer would become one of the most famous Civil War leaders for one of the US major defeats. His career as a military leader began at an early age and “After an initial assignment as an aide to General George McLellan, Custer was placed in command of a cavalry unit, and in the bloody war that divided the nation, Custer excelled” (Biography). Custer was a very successful and devoted leader of his time, although some may account much of his success to luck rather than military skill. However, the Battle of Little Bighorn became his downfall as he led his cavalry to their deaths. Following the common belief that Native American’s would flee from a large attack and no knowing by how much his troops were outnumbered, Custer led a blind attack against the Indian encampment. His cavalry was split into three different attack teams that Custer had hoped would overwhelm the encampment from various directions. Ultimately, the attack failed and they were surrounded by the Indian retaliation on what became known as “Custer Hill”. After this famous battle, Harry S. Truman named the site of Little Bighorn the “Custer Battlefield National Monument” and the battle became known as Custer’s Last Stand. Although Custer’s failed raid of the Indians residing in Little Bighorn was an embarrassment for the US, his legend has been revived in various novels, movies, and much more.

__Cultural:__ Before the Battle of Little Bighorn, Custer was known for his expertise and success in military battles, but became known for his defeat at Little Bighorn. After this battle, the US public was shocked, as his defeat was an act of arrogance rather than a good representation of his success and courage. However, he was memorialized and remembered as a tragic hero by the US without truly considering the actions that took place at that “legendary” battle. To society, Custer was a hero, but “Within the culture of the U.S. Army… Custer was perceived as a self-seeking, glory-wanting man who placed his own needs above those of his own soldiers and the needs of the Army as a whole” (New World Encyclopedia). His role as a military leader has been reconsidered by many in modern times as his actions are placed in a new light. His cruelty against the Indians was a great representation of the ill-treatment of the Natives during the Civil War and represent a discriminatory America that many would prefer not to memorialize. Among modern culture, Custer is less of a war hero and more of an arrogant leader who only sought fame for himself.

Works Cited: "George Armstrong Custer." History. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2016. "George Custer Biography." Biography. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2016. "George Armstrong Custer." New World Encyclopedia. New World Encyclopedia, 22 July 2013. Web. 06 Jan. 2016.