The Indian Wars and American Military Thought 1865-1890

The period 1865-1890 represents the final years of Indian warfare conducted by the United States Army. The Army fought over 900 separate engagements during these years against foes who used unconventional tactics. Although this was a significant period in its history, the Army did not develop or record a useful unconventional war doctrine. This book explores several significant reasons the Army continued its emphasis on a philosophy of total, conventional war. The increased isolation of the Army after the Civil War caused its leaders to realize that a new mission was required to insure its survival as an institution. Most importantly, this realization, combined with the transient and minor nature of the Indian threat and the emergence of a trend towards professionalism in society, led the Army to see its future as a force dedicated to modern, conventional war.