George Armstrong Custer: America's Golden Cavalier (2 Parts)

George Armstrong Custer is one of American history's most mythical and controversial characters. His short, illustrious and tempestuous career is part of American legend. From his early successes in the Civil War that made him the youngest general in American History to his bloody death at the Little Big Horn River in Montana, George A. Custer's flamboyant personal style and forceful personality garnered the attention of his era. Was Custer a magnetic, fearless hero or a shameless glory seeker? Even today the debate continues. Custer's personal style, his astounding Civil War successes, his early death at the greatest military defeat in the American West, coupled with his wife's guardianship of his memory and her promotion of his myth have ensured George A. Custer a place in the annals of American history. George Armstrong Custer: America's Golden Cavalier would be useful for classes on American History, Military History, Political Science, Native American History, Women's History and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• adulation
• appellation
• aptitude
• atrocity
• audacity
• carouse
• cerebral
• chaos
• consummate
• demonize
• demoralize
• dereliction
• emulation
• extinction
• exuberance
• festooned
• formidable
• imminent
• indiscretion
• latitude
• litany
• massacre
• obscured
• perennial
• protégé
• reconnaissance
• taxidermy
• tenacious

1. George Armstrong Custer died at Little BigHorn in 1876. The reaction to his death was swift, profound and widespread. Why was there such a dramatic and intense reaction to his death?

2. How did the reaction to Custer's death help to create and ensure the Custer legend?

3. Custer, like many young men who sought a military career, appealed to a Congressman for an appointment to West Point, America's military academy. But there is some controversy surrounding Custer's appointment. Discuss this controversy and how it is part of the mythology surrounding the life and death of George A. Custer.

4. Custer's best friend at West Point was Tom Rossner, a young man from Texas. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Custer and Rossner had a falling out. Eventually they would face each other in battle. Discuss how the circumstances of Custer and Rossner were characteristic of the Civil War. Why was the Civil War different from any other war fought by Americans? What is the legacy of the Civil War?

5. George Custer, like many other soldiers and warriors, considered war to be glorious. Why do some people consider war glorious?

6. Although Custer was a successful soldier and warrior he was not a successful student. What were some of Custer's shortcomings as a cadet at West Point?

7. Much has been said about George Custer's phenomenal luck up to Little BigHorn. Discuss some of the aspects of "Custer's luck." How did his "luck" affect his career?

8. Custer became the youngest general in American history for his actions during the Civil War. What were some of Custer's successes in the war? How did they contribute to Custer's myth?

9. George A. Custer fell in love with Libby Bacon, daughter of a prominent man, Judge Bacon. Although Libby resisted at first, Custer soon won her over. Her father however was a bit more reluctant. Why did Judge Bacon disapprove of his daughter's choice for a husband? What does his reluctance reveal about class attitudes in nineteenth century America? How and why did Custer finally win over Judge Bacon?

10. How did George A. Custer distinguish himself at the Battle of Gettysburg?

11. Libby Custer was as strong-willed and ambitious as her flamboyant husband. How did Libby Custer contribute to her husband's career?

12. Discuss how Libby Custer might be different if she was a young woman today.

13. George Custer was court martialed when he left his post without permission. How did this court martial affect Custer and his career?

14. Custer was part of American policy in the nineteenth century that demanded the removal of Native Americans from their homelands. Discuss the implications of this policy on American history in general and specifically on Native American History. What was the role of racism in this policy?

15. What was Custer's fatal mistake at Little BigHorn?

16. Discuss how Libby Custer perpetuated her husband's myth and legend. How did she ensure that Custer's name would go down in the annals of American History?

17. Was George Armstrong Custer a hero or a villain?

1. Create a poster or broadside for the American Centennial of 1876.

2. Imagine that you are George A. Custer. Write a letter to Libby Custer telling her of your exploits in the Civil War.

3. With the aid of a fellow student, conduct an interview with George Custer at the end of the Civil War.

4. Imagine that you are a member of the Cheyenne community in the 1870s. Write a letter to the local newspaper telling your views and opinions of American policies concerning Native Americans.

5. Imagine that you are a reporter for a newspaper in 1876. Write a report of the events at Little BigHorn for your readers.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• November 20, 2002
• November 21, 2002