When a piece of land is coveted by two or more nations, the resulting conflict is never good. For the region we now know as Mexico, major wars were fought for almost 500 years before things finally settled down. The number of lives lost from the first drop of blood to the last, well it is almost impossible to determine. How many warring tribal groups massacred each other's villages? Were the Spanish conquistadors truthful in their estimations of casualties? What about the later battles involving early American military and Native Indians?
As a matter of clarification, Apache refers to several groups of Native Americans in the US that are culturally related. Their language is Southern Athabaskan, which is very similar to the Athabaskan spoken by native peoples on the northwest coast of Canada and Alaska. Apache includes these groups, but specifically excludes the Navajo peoples. Historically, the Apache were a powerful people. They opposed the Spanish invaders for more than three hundred years, and managed to keep various Mexican groups at bay as well.
The Apache-Mexico Wars were particularly brutal, and have been glorified in many old Hollywood movies. Perhaps one of the most famous of which is "Fort Apache" starring John Wayne. The plot centers on Wayne's character, a military captain, and his attempt to warn his troops of just how skilled the Apache warriors were. Unlike many other films of the same era, the Apache are illustrated in positive tones. The movie is still clearly written by the victors of the conflict, but at least it does not portray the Apache as barbaric.
The first Apache raids are recorded as taking place during the 17th century, and occurred in the Sonora region. Traditionally, the Apache held lands straddling what is now the Mexican-American border, including regions in Arizona and Texas. As political interests fluctuated, and war veterans were awarded compensation for their loyalty, both Mexico and the American states had a need for more land. The Apaches were seen as a primitive people who could be easily dominated, and their land taken. Unfortunately, the American and Mexican forces were very, very wrong in their assumption.
Invading forces soon realized just how skilled Apache warriors were. Their strategies were intelligent and well-practiced, they knew the terrain better, and had absolutely no fear. Still, American and Mexican forces continued their push - both separately and in conjunction with each according to the political climate. In the end, no one was victorious. All sides continued battling until approximately 1915. The American forces certainly weren't going anywhere, neither were the Mexicans. The Apache had a right to stay as well, and so all three have remained steadfast in their occupation of the same lands. The histories of Mexico is certainly well populated with tales of dramatic battles and handsome heroes, but let's not glorify the violence. Let's appreciate the cultural aspects of each ethnicity. It is far more rewarding!
As a matter of clarification, Apache refers to several groups of Native Americans in the US that are culturally related. Their language is Southern Athabaskan, which is very similar to the Athabaskan spoken by native peoples on the northwest coast of Canada and Alaska. Apache includes these groups, but specifically excludes the Navajo peoples. Historically, the Apache were a powerful people. They opposed the Spanish invaders for more than three hundred years, and managed to keep various Mexican groups at bay as well.
The Apache-Mexico Wars were particularly brutal, and have been glorified in many old Hollywood movies. Perhaps one of the most famous of which is "Fort Apache" starring John Wayne. The plot centers on Wayne's character, a military captain, and his attempt to warn his troops of just how skilled the Apache warriors were. Unlike many other films of the same era, the Apache are illustrated in positive tones. The movie is still clearly written by the victors of the conflict, but at least it does not portray the Apache as barbaric.
The first Apache raids are recorded as taking place during the 17th century, and occurred in the Sonora region. Traditionally, the Apache held lands straddling what is now the Mexican-American border, including regions in Arizona and Texas. As political interests fluctuated, and war veterans were awarded compensation for their loyalty, both Mexico and the American states had a need for more land. The Apaches were seen as a primitive people who could be easily dominated, and their land taken. Unfortunately, the American and Mexican forces were very, very wrong in their assumption.
Invading forces soon realized just how skilled Apache warriors were. Their strategies were intelligent and well-practiced, they knew the terrain better, and had absolutely no fear. Still, American and Mexican forces continued their push - both separately and in conjunction with each according to the political climate. In the end, no one was victorious. All sides continued battling until approximately 1915. The American forces certainly weren't going anywhere, neither were the Mexicans. The Apache had a right to stay as well, and so all three have remained steadfast in their occupation of the same lands. The histories of Mexico is certainly well populated with tales of dramatic battles and handsome heroes, but let's not glorify the violence. Let's appreciate the cultural aspects of each ethnicity. It is far more rewarding!
About the Author:
BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Find great deals on the Secrets Maroma Beach at BookIt.com!