Crimsoned Prairie: The Indian Wars

by S.L.A. Marshall

This is the first study of the military tactics employed by the Plains Indians and the U.S. Army in their long war for the American frontier. The Indian Wars were sloppily fought, horribly mis-matched, absurdly wasteful; commanders hunted the Sioux to the accompaniment of brass bands--this apparently to raise troop morale--and reckless charges were more highly rewarded than getting the scouts out, checking communications, or maintaining supply lines.

Genres: History, American History, Native American, American

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

S.L.A. Marshall (full name, Samuel Lyman Atwood Marshall) served in World War I and then embarked in a career in journalism. In World War II, he was chief combat historian in the Central Pacific (1943) and chief historian for the European Theater of Operations (1945). He authored some 30 books about warfare, including Pork Chop Hill: The American Fighting Man in Action, The River and the Gauntlet and Men Against Fire: The Problem of Battle Command in Future War.

Reviews

[Steven Howes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read about the Plains Indian Wars in other books but most of them were written in support of the Indians' fight to save their homelands and culture. While this book did some of the same, it also helped set the stage for the eventual inevitability of the end of the nomadic lifestyleand the implementation of the reservation system.

[Bull Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marshall is a competent historian but a cynical one. The book is laced with his sarcasms as he tells the story of how two very different peoples came to blows with one another. I did not appreciate the sarcasm! However his description of the several key battles and leaders is valuable and accurate. Want to find out what happened and why between the red and white man? This book will help a lot.

[Rcw70 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting book - I have read several of Marshals books but there were of campaigns and battles he had witnessed or visited soon after - in this case he is dealing with history - He had done fine research. He has little praise for prior coverage of these battles and for a number of the principals - especially Custer.
He poses a contrary view of the Battle of Wounded Knee.
I enjoyed the book

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very approachable, well considered take on the struggle between Native Americans of the Great Plains and US government.

Marshall, speaks plainly, is remarkably unbiased, and often draws analogies with American experiences in Vietnam and Korea.

I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an engaging introduction / study on the Indian Wars on the Great Plains.

[Elaine Blodgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grim, and from an obvious point of view, but thought provoking nevertheless.