Apache tribes

Definition

The Apache tribes are a group of culturally related Native American peoples originally inhabiting the Southwestern United States, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas. Known for their nomadic lifestyle and warrior culture, the Apaches played a significant role in the resistance against Spanish, Mexican, and American colonization efforts, especially during the establishment of the mission system and the Pueblo Revolt of 1680.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Apache tribes include several distinct groups, such as the Western Apache, Chiricahua Apache, and Mescalero Apache, each with its own language and cultural practices.
2. Historically, the Apache were skilled hunters and gatherers, often moving across vast territories to follow food sources and evade enemies.
3. During the mission system's establishment, many Apache were affected by forced conversion attempts and disruptions to their traditional way of life.
4. The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 saw Apache tribes allied with Pueblo peoples against Spanish colonial rule, showcasing their shared resistance to oppression.
5. The ongoing conflicts between Apache tribes and settlers contributed to a long history of violence and negotiation that shaped the Southwestern United States.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the mission system impact the Apache tribes in terms of their traditional lifestyle?
  • The establishment of the mission system greatly disrupted the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Apache tribes. They were pressured to settle down and adopt agricultural practices imposed by Spanish missionaries. This change undermined their social structures and led to significant cultural shifts as many Apaches resisted conversion while facing increasing violence from settlers trying to impose their way of life.
• In what ways did the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 reflect the broader resistance strategies employed by Apache tribes against colonization?
  • The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 highlighted a significant moment of resistance not just for the Pueblo peoples but also for the Apache tribes. Both groups faced oppression under Spanish rule and found common ground in their struggle against colonization. The revolt demonstrated how shared grievances led to alliances among Indigenous groups, showcasing Apache warriors' roles in supporting the Pueblos during this uprising against European domination.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Apache resistance on U.S. policy towards Indigenous peoples in the Southwest following their conflicts with settlers.
  • Apache resistance to colonization had lasting implications on U.S. policy toward Indigenous peoples in the Southwest. The persistent conflicts led to military campaigns aimed at subduing Apache groups, resulting in forced relocations and internment on reservations. This resistance ultimately shaped U.S. government policies that oscillated between attempts at assimilation and more aggressive removal strategies, reflecting an ongoing struggle over land rights and cultural sovereignty for Native Americans in the region.

Related terms

Mission System: A system established by Spanish colonizers to convert Indigenous peoples to Christianity and integrate them into colonial society through a network of missions.

Pueblo People: A group of Native American peoples known for their adobe dwellings and agricultural practices, who lived in what is now the Southwestern United States.

Geronimo: A prominent Apache leader known for his resistance against both Mexican and American encroachments on Apache lands during the 19th century.