The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West

Sweeping history of a relatively short period of time - the history they never taught us in school. The brutality of it all. The inevitability. The miscalculations. The tragedy for Native Americans.

A really outstanding work for all the reasons stated by the other reviewers. However, I do wonder what other outcome writers on this subject imagine possible given the contradictory cultural ordinations of the various parties. Early on Cozens asserts memorably that for the Indians war was a cultural imperative. If we take that seriously, then any treaty with them would have to be regarded as provisional,something that was in their interest until war returned to their advantage. Likewise,the Civil war was started and waged with terrible casualties by Northern interests who saw that immense profits were to be made in making America a continental power from sea to sea and from Mexico to Canada. It is hardly conceivable,for example, that the 75,000 plains Indians could really be the sole occupants of what is now around 10 large states. A nomadic hunting race following the buffalo up and down this huge area protected from white settlement is just inconceivable. One side would have to dominate in the end. The Indians seemed to have had a celebratory culture with a lot of singing ,dancing and drinking and fighting with little thought for any idea of progress material or moral, reminiscent of some of America's inner cities today. They were certainly(plains indians) the finest light cavalry in the world and their stamina and tactical savvy ran rings around US forces(which to be fair were suffering under a lack of funding and direction). I suppose this is the very definition of tragedy.

Well written history of how western Indians' culture worked against their ability to assimilate is addition to the US government's lack of respect for them resulting in moving the Indians into concentration camps called reservations which were typically lands that whites did not want. It is sad that come real quality people weren't supported in their attempts join the western civilization. Could the outcome had been different if the US government been more accommodating? The culture probably wouldn't have permitted it without more decades to adjust to a new way of life.

This is an "epic story" . It is beautifully written and balanced. The author focuses on the plains tribes during the 19th century. It is really a story of a series of tragedies that need not have happened. So many people on both sides making the same sorts of mistakes over and over again. The book also creates vivid pictures of many of the principle individuals involved in the struggle between to cultures.

I thought this was an excellent book for those interested in Native American history. It shows how the "White" people thought about the Indians. Our government lied to them with their fake treaties and killed them unnecessarily. Actually it is just like today with DAPL. A president, a congress taking away Indian land and the possibility of poisoned water if the pipeline leaks.

A good general read of the Indian Wars. Much better than Dee Brown's books which was mostly political. I felt it was very general and didn't accurately describe how we got to 1860. Failed in my eyes didn't explain French and British traders and how they brought disease and weapons to the plains. Besides that a very good starter book and would recommend.

It shows how much disregard the U.S. government had still has today for the Indians. They have learned nothing from past. If Indians have something this country wants they take it hell with what Indians want (ex. Building pipeline across Indian Land wether they want it or not. Sending in military to move Indians out). Amazing 100s of years latter and nothing has changed