In the book”Crazy Horse and Custer: The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors” by Stephen E. Ambrose, the lives of these two great historical rivals are revealed. The author intends to reveal a clash of two cultures during the Civil War of Little Bighorn, on June 25, 1876. His two main characters being Crazy Horse, a Native American warrior, and General Custer, a white American cavalry officer. Through Ambrose’s revelations one can gain a better understanding of their character by comparing and contrasting these two warriors, revealing both their triumphs and failures.
Culture played a big part in the conflict. The Native Americans valued social collectiveness and held a deep respect for the land they inhabited. The white settlers often intruded upon this land and worked towards individual goals instead of societal interest. Ambrose also points out that Native Americans typically valued age as the source of wisdom and endless knowledge, while white Americans concentrated on individual competence and achievement when ranking individuals (Ambrose, 1996). The focus of many of the white settlers was financial gain instead of family and society as was that of the Natives.
However despite growing up in vastly different cultural surroundings both Custer and Crazy Horse became prominent and powerful leaders at a relatively young age. Both reached a high level of success and respect for their actions as leaders (Ambrose, 1996). However age spurred then on to accomplish more even though it may have occasionally led to reckless actions. Their inexperience with the handling of battle tactics was their primary downfall. Both men were prideful and unwilling to back down from a confrontation even if it was not in their best interest.
Ambrose fairly represents both sides of the battle between these two characters, however he frequently expresses his thoughts on cultural differences, stating that in his mind the Native American way of humility and respect surpassed that of a white person’s understanding. Ambrose doesn’t necessarily say that the whites were wrong in engaging in the battle, but he does imply that Crazy Horse was justified in taking action against them (Ambrose, 1996).
These types of cultural conflicts still persist within today’s society. Misunderstandings between cultures lead can often escalate into war. Power and greed are also at the heart of many conflicts. When looking at the fallacy of Custer and Crazy Horse, we can see why age and experience is valued when choosing leaders of today. Had both these men been wiser, this tragedy might not have happened. The competency of leaders must be determined to insure they are able to adequately fulfill their role. Throughout the book, it is clear that both men were not prepared though Custer more so. Many felt that Custer was little more than a fool because of this.
In conclusion, there are many similarities and difference between these two historical figures. They both gained leadership at a young age that they were unprepared to handle. They also let their pride get in the way of doing what was best for their followers. This battle was perpetuated by the fact that these two men had vastly different cultural upbringings that taught them to value different things, family and society in Crazy Horse’s case and money and fame in Custer’s. Similar issues can still be found in today’s society and impact how we now view leadership roles.
Works Cited:
Ambrose, S. (1996) “Crazy Horse and Custer: The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors” New York: Anchor Books of Random House.
