The Battle of the Little Bighorn is one of the most controversial battles, perhaps even the most controversial, in American history. General George Armstrong Custer led his 210 troops into battle and never left. Miscalculations, blunders and personal glory led Custer not only to his death, but also to be the most talked about soldier in this battle. But all the blame doesn't just fall on Custer's shoulders; it also continues on Captain Frederick Benteen and Major Marcus Reno, who both fought in the battle. Both the Captain and the Major made serious mistakes during the fight, the most notable of which was Major Marcus Reno, who was completely drunk during the course of the battle. All of these factors led to the Battle of the Little Bighorn being the worst lost by any group of Plains Indians in American history. General Custer graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1861; finishing last in his class. He served in the Civil War where he was a fearless cavalry leader and in 1865 was given the temporary rank of Major General. Many people believed he shouldn't have even been in the Civil War, much less graduated. However, many who served with him said they admired his courage and success, but many were jealous of him. His enemies often said he was a “glory hunter.” He was a glory hunter and trying to make a name for himself. After the Civil War, Custer continued to fight Indians in the Southwest, in the Dakota and Montana territories. The Indian War lasted from the 1820s until the 1890s. When settlers began to flood the western part of America, the railroads followed. These railroads made it easier for people to get out west and even hunt buffalo. Americans were killing buffalo left and right. Soon, the bu… middle of paper… Publishers, 1973), 226–229. McDougal Littell Inc. Web. March 8, 2014. .Philbrick, Nathaniel. The last Stand. New York: Penguin Books, 2010. Print. "Little Bighorn, Battle Of The". Encyclopedia of the Great Plains. Page 1. Web. 12 March. 2014.Wilkinson, Stephan. "The Worst Battlefield Mistakes: Five Battles That Gone Wrong." History.net, Weider Historical Group. Web March 30, 2014. Colimore, Edward. “The grim facts of Custers Last Stand reveal from the rest of the battle.” Philly Inquirer Staff Writer. June 22, 1986. Web 30, 2014.