ELI119: Apache Tactics 1830–86

Author
Robert Watt

Illustrator
Adam Hook

About this book
The Apache culture of the latter half of the 19th century blended together the lifestyles of the Great Plains, Great Basin and the South-West, but it was their warfare that captured the imagination. This book reveals the skilful tactics of the Apache people as they raided and eluded the much larger and better-equipped US government forces. Drawing on primary research conducted in the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona, this book reveals the small-unit warfare of the Apache tribes as they attempted to preserve their freedom, and in particular the actions of the most famous member of the Apache tribes – Geronimo.

Contents

• Introduction: Historical summary of Mexican and American confrontations with the Apache peoples
• Environment & culture: the terrain of Apacheria – the Apache adaption to conditions – the raiding culture – training and leadership
• Strategy & Tactics: Evasion – Vitctorio’s strategy 1879–80
• Ambush: planned ambush – killing ambush – ambush by decoy – ad hoc ambush
• Attack – ambush, attack and evasion
• Targeting of enemy horses – adaption to enemy weapons and practices – terror tactics

Paperback; January 2012; 64 pages; ISBN: 9781849086301