448. Custer vs. Crazy Horse: Horse-Lords of the Plains (Part 3)

This podcast episode delves into the fascinating life of Sitting Bull, a Lakota chieftain who gained worldwide fame after the Battle of Little Bighorn. It explores his profound spiritual experiences and the enduring stereotypes surrounding Native Americans. The episode also highlights the significant demographic mismatch between Native American tribes and European settlers, as well as the devastating impact of diseases and the westward expansion of settlers. The section discusses the policy of "removal" and the integration of Plains Indians into the trading structure. It challenges the misconception of viewing the Lakota and other Plains Indians as passive victims of American expansion, emphasizing their expansionist nature and territorial ambitions. The podcast hosts also discuss the complexities of understanding Native American history, including figures like Crazy Horse, and the role of visions and rituals in their lives.