Crazy Horse and the Real Reason for the Battle of the Little Big Horn

by A.C. Ross

Native American History. Dr. A. Ross, Ehanamani offers his unique blend of Indian Oral history, spiritural knowledge, world politics and U. S. government manipulations to demonstrate how Crazy Horse's short but courageous life collided head on with corrupt forces that were hell-bent on stealing the sacred Black Hills from the Sioux. A commendable effort by a talented writer from the Sioux Nation. Signed by the author himself.

Genres: Native American, History, Biography

110 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book breaks into two distinct parts. I really enjoyed reading the biography of Crazy Horse, but the reasons for the Battle of Little Big Horn were not as interesting to me. I would recommend reading the first half of the book to gain an idea of this American Indian hero's life.

[booklady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have an autographed copy of this which we picked up on our trip through the Black Hills back in the early summer of 2001, semi-innocent pre-9/11 days. I would love to know what I thought of this book when I read it then.

The first part of the book is a 4th or 5th grade level history of Crazy Horse's life. Then it goes into a simplified explanation of the Federal Reserve, which the author claims is the reason for the Battle of the Little Bighorn, meaning I think, basically that Rich Men north of Richmon who lusted for gold drove those who pushed for control of the Black Hills. I think that is fairly well-established in other spheres and in more convincing manners than it is here.

Then Ross goes off into some other tangents which did not seem well-proven or substantiated. But when he starts into astrology, I skipped that, skimmed the rest and finally threw in the towel.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more than a bit schizophrenic in the plot line. The opening section is a recapitulation of the history of the interaction between the people of European descent and the Native American tribes living on the northern plains. It was a major clash of cultures, and a demonstration of how one side, the Europeans, engaged in a ruthless total war against the Native Americans. The Europeans did not hesitate to shoot down non-combatants, lie, break treaty promises and destroy anything that would make their opponent’s lives more difficult. This section is pretty good.
However, the next section goes really strange and uses some bizarre theories of banking and theories of money to explain how the wealthy and hence powerful have pulled strings to control the world. This theory of why the battles between the Native Americans led by the Sioux and the Europeans took place is untenable. The reality is far simpler, the issue was ownership and control of land. The Native Americans had no concept of private property and the European society was based on it. Therefore, the Europeans always wanted more of it.
In the last section principles of astrology are used to perform a retrospective horoscope on the Native American leader Crazy Horse. It is difficult to follow the reasoning. I enjoyed the first section of the book and struggled to plow my way through the last parts.

[Rick Rapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a short book, this is loaded with much to ponder. He goes from discussing the events leading up to the Battle of Little Big Horn, including the arrogance and overconfidence of Custer and the U. S. Cavalry. He then goes into a discussion of the banking system and how the inequity between cultures exacerbated the tension between cultures. He then goes into astrology and how the planets and stars predicted the outcome for the battle. Then he moves into the need to follow our spirits and the signs of nature. This book was written in 2000 and he shows optimism in the developments of more humane and ecologically sound policies were in place. Of course, all of this has been dismantled by our current amoral government who worships money alone. Anyway, this is worth a read for another perspective (even though the overall style is rather clumsy.)

[James Empson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting to read after just having read Nathaniel Philbrick’s book on Custer’s last stand. I had wanted to get a better feel for what the Lakota felt both about the reason for the conflict and why they waged war in the manner they did. I am not sure that I feel comfortable (at all!) with Ehanamai’s analysis, but perhaps my discomfort is merely indicative of my own inability to see the world from the Lakota perspective. “Ho Hecatu Yelo”. It is what it is. :)

[Shelly Dabbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of his life was interesting but when he got to the real reason for the Battle, it was not something that I could get in to. Good book for his life but the rest, uninteresting.

[E Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was surprised by the mention of the Federal Reserve as a prime reason for this battle. But does make sense.

[Kristel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it quite interesting to read a bit of extremely important and saddening History from an American Indian author. This is the story from "their" point of view, which most likely is exactly how it all happened. The life of "Curly", later to become Crazy Horse and his accomplishments, what he stood for, all so fascinating.

I was overwhelmed with emotion as I read how he died; his friend, Little Big Man, an Indian Police officer pinned his arms down so that he could not try to escape his wrongful imprisonment, and then a soldier took the cowardly opportunity to bayonet him, in effect killing a powerful and intelligent man.

I enjoyed the opportunity to read and learn about so many massacres and who fought first and what the scenarios were surrounding the events. I am deeply saddened by the broken peace treaty for the Black Hills. I still cannot figure out why the Black Hills have not been given back to the Native American People.....not enough natives even signed the treaty for it to be legally taken away, therefore it was an illegal action by the United States.

I live in the Black Hills, and I cannot imagine having this land forcefully taken away from me the way it happened almost 130 years ago. I would move from here peacefully, if the U.S. decided to give this land back....it would give me peace. Then there was the 1972 rise in the Pine Ridge Reservation....why did it not have any influence on the fact that these treaties were broken???? Yes, the United States offered them money, about 150 million back in the 70's and now it has risen to $830 million and the native peoples still say that they only want their land back, not the money....so the money just sits.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suggest reading this book from an educational/lecture point of view. It holds a good deal of information, but it most certainly not to be looked at like a novel or story.

[Jennifer]

We met the author's nephew at Crazy Horse Memorial on Native American Day. He convinced Owen that he and I should read it together.