The Life of Crazy Horse

Contributor: Elephango Editors. Lesson ID: 12304

Discover the incredible life of Crazy Horse, a fearless Lakota leader who fought for his people’s freedom and way of life. Explore his legacy and what makes him an unforgettable figure in history!

1To2Hour
categories

United States

subject
History
learning style
Visual
personality style
Otter, Golden Retriever
Grade Level
Intermediate (3-5)
Lesson Type
Dig Deeper

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Sadly, Indigenous Americans, also known as Native Americans, were often portrayed poorly in older television shows and movies known as Westerns.

Look at this circus poster from 1899 showing Native Americans attacking pioneers in covered wagons.

Circus poster showing Native Americans leading an attack against pioneers in covered wagons, with a portrait of Buffalo Bill on horseback.

In reality, Indigenous Americans were only interested in protecting their homes and people; many were heroes whose names you may know.

  • Have you ever heard of Crazy Horse?

Read on to discover the lengths this man went to to save his heritage.

When Christopher Columbus first arrived in the New World, he called the people he found there "Indians."

This was because Columbus thought he had sailed around the world from Europe to some islands off the coast of India. The name stuck and was applied to all the native people of North America for many years.

The terms American Indian, Native American, and even Indigenous American hide the critical fact that these natives had dozens of independent nations with their own unique histories, cultures, languages, and religions.

Sadly, some nations have disappeared forever, and no record exists.

One of the most famous Native nations, still strong today, is the Lakota Nation, also known as the Sioux (rhymes with blue).

As you read about the Lakota Indians below, write down information and ideas to answer the following questions.

  • Where are the Lakota people located?
  • How have they moved over the centuries?
  • What was their relationship with the U.S. government over time?

The Lakota people, also known as the Teton or Dakota, are a prominent group within the larger Sioux tribe. Historically, they inhabited regions in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. With the introduction of horses in the early 18th century, the Lakota expanded their territory westward, dominating areas from central Canada to the Platte River and from Minnesota to the Yellowstone River, including the Powder River country.

Over the centuries, the Lakota migrated from their original homelands to the Great Plains, adapting to a nomadic lifestyle centered around buffalo hunting. Various factors, including conflicts and pressures from other tribes and European settlers, influenced this migration.

The relationship between the Lakota and the U.S. government has been complex and often fraught with conflict. In the 19th century, tensions escalated as European settlers encroached upon their lands, leading to numerous confrontations. Notably, the Lakota were involved in several significant battles defending their territory and way of life.

Reflecting on their past, the Lakota people likely feel profound resilience and pride in their cultural heritage. Despite numerous challenges, they have maintained their traditions, language, and social structures. Important figures such as Crazy Horse, a respected leader of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, symbolize their enduring spirit and resistance. These heroes represent the Lakota's commitment to preserving their identity and sovereignty in the face of adversity.

After collecting your information, consider these additional questions.

  • How do you think Lakota people might reflect on their past?
  • Who are some special heroes from your people's past?
  • What events, ideas, and feelings do those heroes of your people's past represent?

Indigenous Americans' history is filled with many stories of brave heroes who led their people through challenging times.

In the Got It? section, learn about Crazy Horse — a hero who inspires the Lakota and many other Americans!

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