Custer's Last Stand | Part 7 | The Battle of Little Bighorn

[@Truffle_Pup]

FINALLY! 🙌 Edit: Some parts had me absolutely howling with laughter, Dom's responses to Tom's garishness is brilliant. Please let's not have it be another 4 weeks for episode 8.

[@jonathonjubb6626]

Just you wait!!

[@Truffle_Pup]

@@jonathonjubb6626 Narrator: "But it was another 4 weeks."

[@shadowtiger969]

Absolutely the most entertaining approach to the history of The Little Big Horne battle with the British touch of humor.

[@retiredcolonel6492]

I grew up in Oklahoma. I’m a member of the Cherokee Nation. In my neighborhood I had friends that were Cherokee, Arapaho, Apache and Creek. In Oklahoma, the Washita River Massacre is still remembered and Custer is thought of much like Adolph Hitler-he’s hated. I remember bumper stickers in the 60’s and 70’s in our area of the country that stated, “Custer Had it Coming” So why so much hatred for this man, beyond the massacres he participated in, it’s that he represented a nation who failed to keep its legal obligations to the tribes. From 1778 to 1871, the United States government entered into more than 500 treaties with the Native American tribes; all of these treaties have since been violated in some way or outright broken by the U.S. government. I served 30 years in the US Army including the 3rd CAV which has a battle streamer for “OKLAHOMA.” It was hard to look at that and know that I was part of an organization that slaughtered people in my state. But I served the Constitution and that was worth fighting for. Read the book, “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee.” It’s an eye opener on the history of US and tribal relations.

[@jeffbybee5207]

Don't think the government has ever kept a promise

[@faustoferrari4303]

Fascinating post! I like the wording of the bumper stickers.

[@valerienady3499]

I hate Custer. As a native American, it angers me to think of Custer, and he absolutely had it coming. I am a proud American....

[@Fallschirmjager4242]

You lost get over it.

[@Rmitcha99]

@@Fallschirmjager4242shut up

[@j0nnyism]

These two are without exception my favourite history podcasters. Brilliant they have a real knack for telling a story

[@isaacatkinson1882]

It's great to have Custer and the gang back together. I was getting worried!

[@steventrotter4958]

They just upload far less of them and at a far slower rate on YT, but you can still get most of them online for free just use your noggin

[@KYExtemper]

I just stumbled on this podcast weeks ago and its GREAT stuff. Best podcast out there! Keep up the good work!

[@joeparvana9549]

I've been wanting to visit the battlefield for many years. An amazing place

[@brucefournier2391]

When you do go there, you will see how important 'choosing the battlefield' is. Those hills and ravines were poison for the 7th and a tonic for the defenders who knew their ground.

[@TheJonnyzeus]

Thanks. I have been waiting on tenterhooks for this episode!

[@pallhe]

I was born in Iceland in 1974 and my first impression of Custer was that of Richard Mulligan in Little Big Man, which I saw probably around the age of 7-8. I remember my stepfather concurring with every pearl of wisdom dripping from the lips of the old chief.

[@kevinmcinerney1959]

I've been thinking about that film a lot, watching the Rest is History broadcasts about Little Big Horn. It was a remarkably ambitious film.

[@retrolofiradio66]

Loved this series as much "The French Revolution" series. Of course, I have subscribed!

[@susanroutt6690]

This is one of the best history podcasts. Serious, but not soporific 🎉

[@susanroutt6690]

Please cover my ancestor the notorious Thomas Cresap. He surveyed Maryland and Virginia with George Washington. Blazing trees and claiming land as they went. He was still in a lawsuit with Washington at the time of his death. He started the Maryland-Pennsylvania border wars by reclaiming land he had previously sold, and murdered at least one German settler with an ax. Genealogy doesn’t always turn up the good ones!

[@minechaftgamer288]

I have randomly started with part 7 despite no prior knowledge at all on the subject, but this is brilliant, loved the drunken freshly bebrained Reno impression!

[@edwardmurray4703]

My great grandfather was there with Reno and survived. He received the MOH for actions taken (getting water while under fire for the wounded). He was also wounded and received a pension after retiring.

[@susanroutt6690]

Fantastic! I have had more fun recently by researching my great-grandparents than by trying to go farther and farther back in genealogy. My great-grandparents were part of the Neodosha Oil Rush in 1892. Custer’s last stand is so well documented. “Killers of the Flower Moon” led me into researching my family history there. Have you been the scene of Custer’s last stand? I want to go to Wilson County, Kansas for the nerdiest road trip ever!

[@dwainseppala4469]

You guys had me giggling along with you. Macabre humor. Stupidity beyond hubris justifies the satirical irony. It’s amazing the scouts stayed to die.

[@faustoferrari4303]

Never owned the Ladybird book, but in the late 60s when I was a small child, one of my first memories is the board game which I use to play with my brother. Does anyone else remember it? I loved it so much I have maintained an interest in TBOTLBH ever since.

[@russfranck3491]

You guys are so interesting, great team, keep it up please, your awesome

[@rhuarimclean133]

Thank you, Theo and Tabby

[@melbjohn]

I question the idea of Reno "charging" 39:00+ The 7th cavalry were more like mobile infantry. The standard fighting tactic was to stop, dismount and form a firing line. One man in four held the horses. I'm not saying they could never charge, but men on moving horses are not able to fire volleys.

[@petermortimer6303]

All the accounts and the transcripts of the inquiries afterward say that Reno did charge. But you make a good point about how effective their shooting would have been. They had already said that this was the first time that some of the 7th Cavalry had been in combat and some had never fired their weapons (probably in battle. They would surely have fired them while being trained). They weren't the best horsemen so firing while charging would have been difficult if not beyond their training.

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

This is exactly right, they were since the Civil war a mobile infantry that as you said would dismount. However charging into Indian camps was a tactic as these gentlemen say to panic women and children

[@markkringle9144]

Don't forget that Gettysburg happened on July 1-3. Custer was there and lauded as a hero. He wants to get done by July and be a hero again.

[@mikeskawin30]

This discussion is very good and I enjoy the humor! Just discovered your sight. Can’t wait for part 8!

[@docastrov9013]

I can't wait for episode 247

[@Ken-np1lf]

Brilliant Just absolutely stunning podcast series

[@eadeshogue6702]

Wonderful commentary as usual!

[@craigshagin5506]

I too have walked the ground around Little Bighorn. The ground is rough; the wild grass is a bit above the knees; there are rattle snakes throughout and what hit me the hardest was the sky is large and even today barely a human structure anywhere in sight. I thought it must have been the loneliest place on earth to be slaughtered.

[@jamesallen8418]

hey guys, I just binged watched chapter 1- 7 as a first time watcher. It is nice to hear the enlisted man's testimony. Part 8???

[@agumperz]

I love your research for this series and all your work. You guys do an excellent job of both telling the story and evaluating the historiography. I do have one bone to pick. The battle had thousands of living survivors and some of them started telling their stories to newspapers soon after the battle. For the most part, the archaeologists confirmed their tales were correct. Why should we be skeptical of them? They had little reason to make up their story, even if Americans didn't want to believe a native force could defeat their army. When the casualty disparity was so large, rout was always the likely explanation. Custer's inexperienced men lost discipline, ran away and were cut down in minutes by their superior opponents. In reality, the Indians were highly motivated, more experienced, more skilled and better armed; a rout was, or should have been, the expected outcome.

[@davidcoleman2796]

Tom reading the letter cracks me up . 😂

[@philipmarsden7104]

Tom's impression of Reno after Bloody Knife was shot sounds quite like Boris Johnson's blustering......

[@Aetna500]

I enjoy the depth and the banter.

[@jenjen.rutherford8559]

I never imagined being bent double with laughter over a poor man having his head splattered over someone's face .

[@jamesallen8418]

Hey guys, First time listener. Wow, you sure to get into the weeds. I love your in-depth history. When is episode 8?

[@elecchal444]

I think all the series' final parts are omitted from KZbin. It's very frustrating. Especially after investing 7 hours.

[@williampinner1893]

I enjoy listening to these English fellows bantering about this subject of American history. Very well informed gents I must say. I want a spot of tea. Blimey governor.

[@kevinmcinerney1959]

Yes. And we are all chimney sweeps nannies or dukes.

[@jono8884]

I am so glad I found your channel...by happenstance...when looking for some Custer info due to the anniversary.

[@f1david]

I hope in part 8 or future episodes they cover the story of the Suicide Boys. Young warriors who in a ceremony the evening before pledged to die in the next battle. Not realizing it would be the next day. According to the oral history they were an important factor.

[@davidgehoski1306]

Chief Joseph's Surrender place was truly Magical.

[@RW4X4X3006]

Remember, usually when the army would patrol or be out on operations, it was done at troop level strength. Custer was in the field with the entire combined regiment being brought together for this operation. 600 + in strength. Surely such a sight would cause the tribes to scatter and run - and not fight. That was Custer's and his men's greatest concern. Well, the tribes fought and well they did.

[@dieternowatius5062]

Thank you for the Inspiration to this little poem of mine 👋😉👍

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

I don't recall "The Dukes of Hazard" song including "chasing girls" or that there was a pickup truck involved.

[@j0nnyism]

I haven’t been scalped but when I had screws taken out of my skull I ground my teeth too. The feeling of tremendous pressure does make you do that.

[@tehonlyFreeman]

No somehow I did need to see Tom's face during the impressions, who knew? 😂

[@matt6477]

Just … brilliant

[@CharlesMatoesian-gr2pt]

Hello, Unless I missed it, I was surprised that when discussing Custer’s showmanship and flair you did not include the event as General Lee was leaving Grant’s headquarters after the surrender. As Lee was riding out, Custer had the band play Dixie and when Lee looked back emotionally Custer made a sweeping bow to him. Lee supposedly seemed emotional and made a small nod of recognition. Thanks Charles

[@jackmundo4043]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@rtaj247]

I read that the scout on the hill, seeing the Indians, said ‘They’re skedaddling like devils’, thinking ‘skedaddle’ meant ‘swarm around’ but Custer understood it as meaning ‘flee’ … hence his haste!

[@richardcutt727]

Very enjoyable. Pure Evan S Connell. Lo, the poor Indian!

[@williamwayland1888]

Just found your show, its cool. Around 6:30 you mention natives and indians. Talking about termonology, all that. Columbus knew he didnt hit india. He knew this was something new. Read his diaries, they are interesting. He refered to the people, in spanish, as a people of god, en deus, in/of god. It just phonetically caught on to another meaning

[@pntshll]

🎉🎉🎉 yes please and thank you

[@largesatsuma]

I just realised this is the 148th anniversary of the battle. Maybe that's why we had to wait for this last podcast?

[@Ross-e9o]

Two points I have not seen discussed by anyone. Firstly the 7th cavalry never fought as such on this day. They fought as mounted infantry by dismounting and forming skirmish lines therefore giving up the advantage of mobility. Secondly they deliberately left their sabres behind so their approach would be quieter. Given the number of troopers killed that day in close quarter fighting, those sabres would would have been a serious deterrent to the attacking natives.

[@drstrangelove4998]

I agree, the sabres would have been usefully. As it was as Benteen didn’t deliver the ammo, Custer’s troopers ran out of ammunition and according to Indian accounts, resorted to using their empty guns as clubs and missiles.

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

@@Ross-e9o still woulda loss, way outnumbered, no sabre is gonna change that. Gatling guns though woulda done the job but then again in that rough terrain and with how previously Indian engagements had gone, those were just not suitable

[@Ross-e9o]

@@Kyle-ls7gp Not suggesting it would have changed the outcome, I agree the 7th was outnumbered and outgunned in close combat but a cavalry sabre would have been mighty effective against a Lakota coming at you with a knife or tomahawk.

[@jonathonjubb6626]

NOT the end! Bloody hell!!

[@vahidbogunovic46]

You guys are great. Could you do tripolye-cucuteni culture. It is a turning point for understanding human history. Thank you.

[@johnthekeane]

I think my next country song will be called 'Gobbler's Gulch '!😁

[@AnthonyBrown12324]

You can't resolve the whole story but archaeological evidence unearthed recently has led to more incite and Native American evidence subsequently leads to a much different account of the " Last Stand " than the legend of so many films and other media .

[@CommieGobeldygook]

As a middle aged American, i can't remember anyone ever looking up to Custer or thinking he was anything but a fool. We never saw him as heroic like Leonidas.

[@JCLoud-ix9jj]

Thats not true at all! He was vilified in the movie " Little Big Man " and from then on he was portrayed as an ignorant fool. All because of a fictional move.

[@CommieGobeldygook]

@@JCLoud-ix9jj I don't consider that film part of my generation although it is a classic that should be watched and appreciated still in modern times with modern audiences

[@JCLoud-ix9jj]

@@CommieGobeldygook The entire movie is anti White and anti Christian. Just like all of the movies from Hollywood. If you cant see that, then you are part of the problem.

[@valerienady3499]

​@@JCLoud-ix9jj He was an arrogant, cruel man and he has it coming!!

[@JCLoud-ix9jj]

@@valerienady3499 Dances with wolves is not real! You are a brainwashed fool!

[@Waterhorse1]

Wonderful

[@johnlewis1640]

More attention should be paid to other great Chiefs like Crazy Horse and Gall who actually participated in the fight, Sitting Bull, though a great Chief, stayed in the Village.

[@9Epicman]

Love the pod, is Dominic going to make an adventures in time book about this?

[@elecchal444]

Are the final parts of all series never shown on KZbin? Podcast only? Bit disappointed.

[@restishistorypod]

It's coming :)

[@LL-wz7je]

Custer was a brilliant Cavalry officer during the Civil war. He did make a fatal mistake on June 25th 1876. He didn’t listen to his scouts that were telling him the village was massive. He was obviously trying to use a classic pincers maneuver. However, Reno didn’t continue his charge into the village but stopped and formed a skirmish line and Custer attacked middle of village Instead of opposite end.

[@262marcus]

There can be no denying that Custer had immense personal courage.

[@LL-wz7je]

@@262marcus it’s what got him into trouble at the little big horn. he was very courageous and had no fear and he felt he could win even when he was outnumbered

[@valerienady3499]

He may have done well in the civil war, but he was arrogant and lawless when he was going against the treaty made with the Sioux and trespassed on their land looking for gold. He was disrespectful of the people and a sicko to attack villages with women, children and elderly. Karma got him.

[@valerienady3499]

​​@@262marcusDoes it take courage to attack villages with women, children, and elderly? And then use them as outright bargaining pieces? That's if he and his "brave" men hadn't slaughtered them first. No, he was the ultimate coward acting as a psychopathic killer of the people.

[@drstrangelove4998]

And Benteen didn’t deliver the awaited ammunition dragging his feet on the backtrail. In another war he and Reno would have been shot.

[@db4552]

Haha my first reaction was ABOUT TIME (not being rude) ive just been so excited for this one.

[@timhayes1756]

You fellows should cover the Texas Revolution of 1836.

[@nanavango9374]

If Custer was one of the few great men America has produced, we’re doomed.

[@rhuarimclean133]

Thiers always Elijah Craig and the guys behind South Park, not all bad eh 😀

[@lervish1966]

Terrence Howard is the greatest American.

[@watcherofthewest8597]

Not native, but sitting bull and crazy horse are great Americans. And I don't mean that in the "indigenous land acknowledgement way", I mean it as respecting warriors and shamans doing what they could for their people in the twilight of their way of life.

[@jackjackson8908]

You mustn’t have been watching the same series I have.

[@LL-wz7je]

Always some person who has done nothing notable in this life that puts down great Americans of the past.

[@jaromirkraus9034]

So addictive. You'll make me fail my courses by sucking up so much of my time!

[@shonaokane7321]

Outstanding listening!

[@dieternowatius5062]

Last Stand Arrows flying through the sky Over exploding horses bellies Diggin ! diggin ! Hard i try Or hand to hand go in the fight No amo more for me in sight So choose my way to die or hide.

[@davidkerr4137]

Is there a decent/accurate screen play of custers story as this would make a great Netflicks show

[@mikelewis1436]

Son of the Morning Star - mini-series turned into a movie - generally considered the most accurate...

[@davidkerr4137]

@@mikelewis1436 thankyou🙂👍

[@petermortimer6303]

@@mikelewis1436 And a really good book as well

[@JimBagby74]

I've been DYING to know what happens next.....

[@amynatzke1050]

Another question. Did little American boys growing up in the 70's get as excited about Battle of the LIttle Bighorn as little British boys did?

[@joebombero1]

We got excited watching the movie Zulu!

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

Yes we did and yes of course we loved Zulu

[@liquidocelot4118]

In elementary school we did presentations as a historical figure. My native mother made me dress as Custer and present a speech essentially saying "I thought I could defeat the native people, but how wrong I was" and I then pulled back a fake hair prop to look like I had been scalped. Looking back this was not appropriate, but very entertaining.

[@stayclean777]

The part where you were giggling about Reno upset at Custer's best scout's brains blasted in his face made me yearn for you to teleport to that copse of woods in 1876.

[@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf]

Can you do some on the Texas Rangers beating the Comanches too mate please

[@humblescribe8522]

What is going on with your KZbin channel? We're weeks behind now and still no sign of the final episode of this series.

[@thanemathis5914]

One account has Crazy Horse saying there were 1800 Teepees, and about 400 huts. If true, your estimate on the number of warriors is low. This would mean over 4,000 warriors which further explains the futility of attacking with so few, divided troops. Despite this, your coverage of this battle is excellent!

[@drstrangelove4998]

Reno’s estimates started low and over the couple of years before the enquiry it changed eventually reaching a huge number.

[@helmutsecke3529]

Our Tom's cod Yank accent is brill'.

[@johnrohde5510]

The confusion and surprise in the Indian camp and that 500 are repulsed by a skirmish line of less than a hundred armed with carbines, shows they aren't to be regarded in the same way as regular troopers. That's why Reno should have charged instead of engaging in a skirmish fire fight that suited the Indian fighting style. Reno's experience from the Civil War may have betrayed him into reacting as if he were facing regulars.

[@joebombero1]

I forget if it was twelve or twenty, but many of Custer's men were unaccounted for after the battle. Only so many bodies and horses were found. It is possible that many of Custer's men may have deserted him when things started to go south. Of course, as deserters they never would have come forward, but it is intriguing to think that several, perhaps more than a dozen men fighting with Custer may have lived long into the 20th century.

[@JonathanRossRogers]

12:32 I don't think I've ever watched an entire episode of "Dukes of Hazzard," but I know that Bo and Luke didn't drive a pickup truck. The "General Lee" was a Dodge Charger, an American muscle car.

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

Renos skirmish line saved them in my opinion. They woulda been cut down the deeper they got into that camp.

[@fuferito]

Oh, Tom... "Guys who went around in the pick-up truck..." *_Dukes of Hazzard!_* "That's right." I don’t think anyone in history has ever mixed up the Dukes' 1969 Dodge Charger (the Gen. Lee) for a pick-up.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

Until now

[@DerekBews]

Two foreign vehicles. I doubt if many British folk would know the difference...or particularly care!

[@grahamwritesagain]

Where is part 8?

[@jdc4483]

As with all noteworthy people in history, the personality characteristic that makes them great - in Cluster’s case hubris - can also be their downfall.

[@Kyle-ls7gp]

Sure but Custer really didnt do much in the grand scheme of history, hes not wven the best Indian fighter of the time, and was NOT the best calvary officer of Civil War or even Union. He came about at the right time (when the west became world famous for its ancient feel) along with his marketability, hes a modern day overhyped political person

[@burra66]

Can you do another mad mustake. Charge of the Light Brigade into the valley of Russian cannons. You guys crack me up. 😮

[@christiangarelli2770]

love you shows................ however having watch Byron and now Custer may I respectfully ask you to come to the point sooner and faster ............... , my wife wondering what king of unsavory show could keep me up so late at night and the many bottles of gin crying from an untimely and rapid death in the depth of night ..............way to young for such an issue ...............please help me keeping my own admirers happy .....................thanks cg

[@carveraugustus3840]

Hallelujah

[@semilio1]

Only an Andrew Johnson supporter could relate Custer to Leonidas. Completely different.

[@vixendoe6943]

Even women stood and fought against Custer and the 7th. Oral history tells that it was Buffalo Calf Road Woman who unhorsed Custer at Greasy Grass.

[@drstrangelove4998]

I’ve never heard that by anyone.

[@wasnt_it]

"Well, everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't."

[@johnnydavis5896]

Once you start a charge you really have to follow it thru. As you said can't help be better that what happened. And if Custer actually starts hitting as Reno hits then it might have worked.

[@drstrangelove4998]

If only Reno had held his nerve at the timber which was eminently defensible, and Benteen had obeyed his orders, it would have worked.

[@thomasmillin2155]

Tom's red wine stained lips and trembling tone really set this off as a BELTER

[@VincentGavin]

I was of the understanding my whole life that Custer was universally seen to be 'the bad guy', a hubristic, deranged murderer with no heroic qualities whatsoever, and worked out that my formative introduction to Custer was watching Little Big Man at a young age. Must have missed the Ladybird books!

[@valerienady3499]

He was horrible. He personally broke the treaty of the Sioux and trespassed on the land looking for gold. He attacked villages with men, women and children. If they weren't killed, then he planned on using them for bargaining pieces. HE WAS A KILLER. HE WAS A BAD GUY. There is no justification for his actions and karma rightly got him.

[@geoffreydron1496]

Interesting that Battles of Little Bighorn and Isandlwana happened in 1870s and came about because forces divided in face of despised non-European natives.

[@joebombero1]

Hubris

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

47:09 The horror and humor 😱😆

[@willskaarup]

I agree with other American’s comments. In my 65 years, Custer has always been portrayed as a fool whose vanity drove his own men to slaughter.

[@JCLoud-ix9jj]

Thats because of one fictional movie." Little Big Man ". Prior to that Custer was the hero of the plains.

[@valerienady3499]

​@@JCLoud-ix9jj That's not totally true. Indians have always hated him. And rightly so.

[@drstrangelove4998]

At 34.00 I disagree. At officer call Custer would have described his plan. With Custer dead, and with two years to concoct an alibi and noble witnesses, Custer can’t answer back.

[@RichardBryers]

The fatal moment: atop the bluff observing Reno and the field of battle but relinquishing a perfect command position to lead a wing personally. Crook stayed on his commanding height and was able to reunite his divided troops when one wing became threatened.

[@amynatzke1050]

Custer was a great man? I won't argue, but it does make me ask: What was 'great' then, and what is it now?

[@joebombero1]

A "great" man traditionally was a man imbued with traits and characteristics that highly motivated men around him to such a degree that they would be capable of achievements that had eluded many before him. The Persians coined the term "holy" as meaning someone who had the characteristics of "fire". So people would find themselves warmed by his presence, would find their way by his guidance, if they felt lost or directionless, and would be defended by him when they were helpless. There are many different references to "greatness" in a man, but throughout all cultures there was an element of divinity attached to him, as certainly he was gifted by God, possessing very unusual abilities, unexplained by simple learned skill. Custer was definitely one of these men. Recent examples would be Patton or MacArthur

[@TheChuck181]

YESSSSSS

[@paddymeboy]

There wasn't actually a last stand though, was there? They were all killed trying to run away.

[@mikelewis1436]

Having lost their mounts, E Company - The Gray Horse Troop - made a dismounted dash for the river only to trapped and butchered in Deep Ravine....

[@joebombero1]

That's what the archeology seems to show, they dissolved into small pockets

[@CinRife]

I'm Lakota I've been watching the vids and we all have our own opinions. I. Still learning like the rest of the ppl except i kno a few more secrets and alhave a bit more inside knowledge in some points. I like the vids though

[@kathymitchell7896]

Why do all the pictures show blue coats if they were in white shirts?

[@valerienady3499]

There is a saying, if you're a native American living today, SOMEONE FOUGHT HARD FOR YOUR LIFE. I must admit...I get angry thinking about what the U.S. govt. has done to the People.

[@IamtheBurceDickenson]

Do you ever get angry about what the different Indian tribes did to each other? They were absolutely brutal to one another for thousands of years before the white man arrived. The whole idea that North America was a garden of Eden that knew no sin before Europeans arrived, is a very tiresome fantasy.