The Apache Wars: The History and Legacy of the U.S. Army’s Campaigns against the Apaches

by Charles River Editors, Sean McLachlan

*Includes pictures *Includes accounts of the fighting described by American soldiers *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents “Even if we should be able to dislodge them from the rough mountain ridges and impenetrable woods which cover the immense territories of these frontiers, they would seek better asylum in the vastness of the Sierra Madre. . . [They] know how to surprise and destroy our troops in the mountains and on the plains. They are not ignorant of the use and power of our arms; they manage their own with dexterity; and they are as good or better horsemen than the Spaniards, and having no towns, castles, or temples to defend they may only be attacked in their dispersed and movable rancherias.” - Bernardo de Galvez, Instructions for Governing the Interior Provinces of New Spain, 1787 (The Quivera Society, Berkeley) The Apache of the American Southwest have achieved almost legendary status for their fierceness and their tenacity in fighting the U.S. Army. Names like Nana, Cochise, and Geronimo are synonymous with bravery and daring, and the tribe had that reputation long before the Americans arrived. Indeed, among all the Native American tribes, the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans learned the hard way that the warriors of the Apache were perhaps the fiercest in North America. Based in the Southwest, the Apache fought all three in Mexico and the American Southwest, engaging in seasonal raids for so many centuries that the Apache struck fear into the hearts of all their neighbors. Given the group’s reputation, it’s fitting that they are inextricably associated with one of their most famous leaders, Geronimo. Descendants of people killed by “hostile” Apache certainly considered warriors like Geronimo to be murderers and thieves whose cultures and societies held no redeeming values, and even today, many Americans associate the name Geronimo with a war cry. The name Geronimo actually came about because of a battle he fought against the Mexicans. Over time, however, the historical perception of the relationship between America and Native tribes changed drastically. With that, Geronimo was viewed in a far different light, as one of a number of Native American leaders who resisted the U.S. and Mexican governments when settlers began to push onto their traditional homelands. Like the majority of Native American groups, the Apache were eventually vanquished and displaced by America’s westward push, and Geronimo became an icon for eluding capture for so long. The Apache The History and Legacy of the U.S. Army’s Campaigns against the Apaches analyzes the history of the campaigns that stretched over decades. Along with pictures of important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Apache Wars like never before, in no time at all.

Genres: History

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2015

About the author

Charles River Editors is an independent publisher of thousands of ebooks on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple iBookstore & provider of original content for third parties.

Reviews

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a depressing read about different cultures not taking the time to understand each other. This book explains very well why the Mexicans and Apaches were always killing each other. They absolutely despised each other and they used every opportunity to kill each other. When the US government took over the lands after the Mexican-American War, the Apaches thought things would be better. That isn't what happened.

The few bright lights were John Clum (manager of the San Carlos Reservation), General Crook, and Lt. Charles Gatewood. They made a difference, but in the end, they were overrun by the hostility of the government agents and leaders. This is a tragic part of American history.

[Adam Milliman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book started off a little slow, but overall was interesting.

[ken forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as detailed as it could have been

The facts are all there but the accounts by the participants was missing. Could have been a very good read if more of the participants had relayed their stories.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quite interesting and riveting read about the fate of a proud people...