The Plains Indian Wars 1864-1890

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

Perhaps no other chapter in American military history has as shameful a feel to it as the Indian Wars that took place during the 19th century. During these conflicts American military and governmental policies were based upon a series of premises that resulted in horrific destruction of indigenous native peoples. In an age when imperialism was the accepted right of developed nations, the United States adopted such a stance as it supported the expansion of its population into the territories of the roughly 250,000 Plains Indians. Over a period of approximately five decades, the once vibrant civilization and culture of the Native Americans who lived on the Great Plains was systematically defeated and destroyed. At places such as Sand Creek, on the Washita River, and at Wounded Knee the people and pride of the Native American people was broken. This story is ably chronicled in this illustrated volume in the "Living Through" series. As is the case with other books in this fine set, the historical narrative is well supported by numerous period illustrations, photographs, and maps. This combination results in a well written story that is important for younger readers to know. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck