The Apache Conflict (Late 1860’s– 1885)

Instigators of the Conflict The Apache conflict was started on the basis of federal troops trying to force Navajo and Apache Indian tribes to reservations The natives were forced to leave their lands in order for the United States government to utilize the land for mining, and settling, as well as farming. Men such as Gen. James Carleton, Gen. George Cook and Kit Carson were sent to the West to drive the natives to specific reservations.

Instigators of the Conflict Continued… Tribal chiefs such as Barbonchito, Armijo, and Manuelito were the first of the natives to surrender to these generals. More forts and military encampments being built in Indian territory pressed for Indian resistance

Reasons for the Conflict The Apache Indians were extremely resistant to being moved to reservations. Gen. George Crook’s campaign was entirely based on retaliation on the basis of an Apache attack on an Arizona settlement.

Reasons for the Conflict Continued… When the Chiricuhua Indians were moved to the San Carlos reservation, a man named Geronimo took half of the Indians present and led them to fight against being forced to reside of reservations. The Apache leader Cochise had personal qualms with the United States forces and settlers, due to his son being abducted.

Battles of the Apache Conflict Canyon de Shelly – Over 3,000 Navajos surrendered and made a trek across the frozen landscape to the reservation at Fort Sumner, in which many of the Natives died due to extreme conditions and lack of victuals. In 1882 – Geronimo returns from his escape to Mexico with 700 armed Natives, this force liberates the rest of the Natives on the San Carlos Reservation.

Battles of the Apache Conflict Continued… 1858 – Mangas Colorados leads a raid on miners in order to force them out of his homeland, after endeavoring to re move the miners peacefully for years before. 1883 – Gen. George Crook was put in charge of the Arizona and New Mexico Reservations, along with 200 Apaches, he later found Geronimo’s camp, and persuaded him to return to the San Carlos Reservation.

Battles of the Apache Conflict Continued… 1880 – The Alma Massacre occurred when Apaches raid a group of miners, massacring them, and moving on to kill 35 sheepherders, but flee when federal troops pursue them. 1881 – The Batttle of Sibecue erupts when a leader known as The Prophet preaches that Apache warriors will be resurrected and eventually drive out the white settlers. The battle occurs when federal troops are sent to arrest The Prophet. The Prophet is killed along with several Apaches.

Battles of the Apache Conflict Continued… 1883 – The Lordsburg Massacre occurred when a judge and his family are killed by Apaches while travelling, which is widely published, and the settlers demand revenge. 1886 – Gen. Nelson Miles takes over the Apache campaign, he deploys 5,000 American soldiers, and 500 Native Scouts, as well as civilian militias to engage Geronimo’s party, the party surrenders at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona Territory.

How the Conflict Impacted Relationships Both sides were usually very unwilling to compromise on disputes. The unwillingness to compromise led to a very war-like relationship between the Apache and the United States Government.

How the Conflict Impacted Relationships Continued… The settler’s fear of the Apache, and other Native groups led to the creation of reservations. Many Native tribes believed in avenging their brethren’s deaths, and thus fought against the white settlers more fiercely.

Impact of the Apache Conflict on Western Settlement The victory against the Apache enabled western settlers to acquire land and resources in the West.

Works Cited http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/hist-am-west/history5.html http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Apache_Wars_1861-1886.aspx http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1g2-3401804477.html