George Custer essays

George Custer essays I have chosen to write on the life and times of George Armstrong Custer; perhaps one of the most controversial and misunderstood figures in United States military history. In this paper I will talk about the life of Custer, his background, career, schooling, marriage, military service, and ultimately his untimely death at the Battle of Little Bighorn. My thesis statement for this paper is the following: George Armstrong Custer led a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, despite being flamboyant, taking unnecessary risks, and repeatedly disobeying orders. He remains one of the best-known figures in U.S. history. At the conclusion of this paper, I hope to have instilled in you a greater knowledge of Custer, as well as make you see why so many people are intrigued with this man who died almost 130 years ago. George Armstrong Custer was born on December 5th, 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio. His parents, Emanuel and Maria Custer owned a blacksmith shop. His father also served as the local sheriff. To his family, George Custer was known as Autie. He got this nickname as a child after referring to himself by this name. Custer had four siblings, and by all accounts the Custer household was very inclusive, full of love, and very close-knit. As a child, both Emanuel and Maria Custer lavished affection upon all their children, however, George Custer was seen as special to both his parents and to his siblings. He was bright, dedicated, curious, and impulsive, and always seemed to know and get what he wanted. He also got into trouble around town, and was known for the practical jokes he would play on people (Jeffry Wert, Custer: The Controversial Life of George Armstrong Custer, p. 18-19). When Custer was six years old he began attending a one-room school in New Rumley. Although Custer was definitely bright and full of common sense when it came to the real world, when it came to school Custer was not that bright. Cust...