What Event Triggered The Army To Finally Attack The Indians, Beginning The Red River War?A. The Natives Broke The Medicine Lodge Treaty.B. The Natives Refused To Move To The Reservations.C. The Attack On Adobe Walls.D. The Ambush And Killing Of Several
Introduction
The Red River War was a pivotal event in the history of the United States, marking a significant turning point in the conflict between the U.S. Army and the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. The war, which lasted from 1874 to 1875, was a culmination of years of tension and violence between the two parties. In this article, we will explore the events that led up to the war and identify the specific incident that triggered the army's attack on the Indians.
Background to the Red River War
The Red River War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. These tribes had long been at odds with the U.S. government, which sought to expand its territory and establish control over the Great Plains. The Native American tribes, on the other hand, were determined to protect their land and way of life.
The Medicine Lodge Treaty
In 1867, the U.S. government signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty with several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. The treaty was designed to establish a peace treaty between the two parties and to relocate the Native American tribes to reservations. However, the treaty was not without its flaws, and many of the Native American tribes were unhappy with the terms of the agreement.
The Failure of the Medicine Lodge Treaty
The Medicine Lodge Treaty was a failure from the start. Many of the Native American tribes refused to move to the reservations, and instead continued to live on their ancestral lands. The U.S. government, however, was determined to enforce the treaty and to relocate the Native American tribes. This led to a series of violent confrontations between the two parties, including the infamous Battle of Adobe Walls.
The Attack on Adobe Walls
The attack on Adobe Walls was a pivotal event in the Red River War. In November 1874, a group of Comanche and Kiowa warriors, led by Quanah Parker, attacked a group of buffalo hunters who were camped at Adobe Walls. The attack was a surprise, and the buffalo hunters were quickly overwhelmed. However, the attack was not without its consequences, and it marked a turning point in the Red River War.
The Ambush and Killing of Several Soldiers
In February 1875, a group of Comanche warriors, led by Quanah Parker, ambushed and killed several U.S. soldiers who were on a mission to deliver supplies to the reservations. The ambush was a devastating blow to the U.S. Army, and it marked a significant escalation of the conflict.
The Event that Triggered the Army's Attack on the Indians
So, what event triggered the army's attack on the Indians? The answer is the ambush and killing of several soldiers in February 1875. This event marked a turning point in the Red River War, and it led to a series of violent confrontations between the two parties.
Conclusion
The Red River War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved several Native American tribes and the U.S. Army. The war was a culmination of years of tension and violence between the two parties, and it marked a significant turning point in the history of the United States. The event that triggered the army's attack on the Indians was the ambush and killing of several soldiers in February 1875. This event marked a turning point in the war, and it led to a series of violent confrontations between the two parties.
Timeline of the Red River War
- 1867: The Medicine Lodge Treaty is signed between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes.
- 1874: The attack on Adobe Walls takes place, marking a turning point in the Red River War.
- 1875: The ambush and killing of several soldiers takes place, triggering the army's attack on the Indians.
- 1875: The Red River War comes to an end, with the defeat of the Native American tribes.
Key Players in the Red River War
- Quanah Parker: A Comanche warrior who led the attack on Adobe Walls and the ambush and killing of several soldiers.
- Kit Carson: A U.S. Army officer who played a key role in the Red River War.
- General Philip Sheridan: A U.S. Army officer who led the army's attack on the Indians during the Red River War.
Legacy of the Red River War
Q: What was the Red River War?
A: The Red River War was a conflict between the U.S. Army and several Native American tribes, including the Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho, that took place from 1874 to 1875.
Q: What was the main cause of the Red River War?
A: The main cause of the Red River War was the failure of the Medicine Lodge Treaty, which was signed in 1867 between the U.S. government and several Native American tribes. The treaty was designed to establish a peace treaty between the two parties and to relocate the Native American tribes to reservations, but it was not without its flaws, and many of the Native American tribes refused to move to the reservations.
Q: What was the significance of the attack on Adobe Walls?
A: The attack on Adobe Walls was a pivotal event in the Red River War. In November 1874, a group of Comanche and Kiowa warriors, led by Quanah Parker, attacked a group of buffalo hunters who were camped at Adobe Walls. The attack was a surprise, and the buffalo hunters were quickly overwhelmed. However, the attack was not without its consequences, and it marked a turning point in the Red River War.
Q: Who was Quanah Parker?
A: Quanah Parker was a Comanche warrior who played a key role in the Red River War. He was the son of a Comanche chief and a white woman, and he was known for his bravery and his leadership skills. Parker was a key figure in the attack on Adobe Walls and the ambush and killing of several soldiers.
Q: What was the outcome of the Red River War?
A: The Red River War came to an end in 1875, with the defeat of the Native American tribes. The U.S. Army had successfully defeated the Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, and the Native American tribes were forced to relocate to reservations.
Q: What was the impact of the Red River War on the Native American tribes?
A: The Red River War had a devastating impact on the Native American tribes. The war marked the end of the Native American way of life, and the tribes were forced to adapt to a new way of living on reservations. Many of the Native American tribes were forced to give up their land, their culture, and their traditions, and they were forced to live in poverty and isolation.
Q: What was the impact of the Red River War on the U.S. government?
A: The Red River War had a significant impact on the U.S. government. The war marked a turning point in the conflict between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes, and it led to the use of more violent tactics by the U.S. Army. The war also marked a significant escalation of the conflict, and it led to the defeat of the Native American tribes.
Q: What can we learn from the Red River War?
A: The Red River War is a tragic event in American history that serves as a reminder of the complex and often fraught relationship between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes. We can learn from the Red River War by understanding the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all people, and by working towards a more just and equitable society.
Q: How can we honor the memory of the Red River War?
A: We can honor the memory of the Red River War by learning about the history of the conflict and by working towards a more just and equitable society. We can also honor the memory of the Native American tribes by respecting their culture and traditions, and by working to preserve their history and heritage.
Q: What resources are available for learning more about the Red River War?
A: There are many resources available for learning more about the Red River War, including books, articles, and documentaries. Some recommended resources include:
- "The Red River War" by Robert M. Utley
- "The Comanche Empire" by Pekka Hämäläinen
- "The Kiowa Indians" by James Mooney
- "The Cheyenne Indians" by George Bird Grinnell
- "The Arapaho Indians" by George Bird Grinnell
Q: How can we get involved in preserving the history and heritage of the Native American tribes?
A: There are many ways to get involved in preserving the history and heritage of the Native American tribes, including:
- Volunteering at a Native American museum or cultural center
- Participating in a Native American cultural event or festival
- Learning about Native American history and culture through books, articles, and documentaries
- Supporting Native American artists and artisans
- Advocating for Native American rights and dignity
Q: What is the significance of the Red River War in modern times?
A: The Red River War is significant in modern times because it serves as a reminder of the complex and often fraught relationship between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes. The war also highlights the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all people, and the need for a more just and equitable society.