Treaty of Fort Bowie

Definition

The Treaty of Fort Bowie, signed in 1868, was an agreement between the United States government and the Apache tribes, particularly the Chiricahua Apaches. This treaty aimed to establish peace and define territorial boundaries for the Apaches while also allowing for U.S. military presence in the region, reflecting the complex relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes during westward expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Fort Bowie was part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to pacify Native American tribes in the Southwest after years of conflict and hostilities.
2. This treaty established a reservation for the Chiricahua Apaches in southeastern Arizona, which was intended to provide them a designated area to live and maintain their culture.
3. Despite the treaty, tensions remained high, and many Apaches felt that their rights were being undermined by continued U.S. expansion and military presence.
4. The treaty ultimately failed to bring lasting peace, leading to further conflicts and renegotiations as the U.S. government continued its policy of westward expansion.
5. In 1872, despite the treaty, military hostilities resumed as Apache leaders, feeling betrayed by the government's actions, began to resist once more against U.S. forces.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Fort Bowie reflect the U.S. government's approach to dealing with Native American tribes during this period?
  • The Treaty of Fort Bowie illustrates the U.S. government's dual approach of seeking peace while simultaneously asserting control over Native American lands. By negotiating a treaty, the government aimed to pacify the Apache tribes and reduce hostilities after years of conflict. However, the inclusion of military presence and the establishment of a reservation highlighted an underlying strategy of containment and control rather than genuine respect for Apache sovereignty.
• Discuss how the Treaty of Fort Bowie affected Apache identity and culture following its implementation.
  • Following the implementation of the Treaty of Fort Bowie, Apache identity and culture were significantly impacted as they were forced onto a designated reservation. While this created a space for them to maintain aspects of their cultural practices, it also restricted their traditional ways of life and mobility. The constant pressure from outside forces, including military presence and encroachment from settlers, challenged their autonomy and led to feelings of betrayal among many Apache leaders regarding their rights as defined in the treaty.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Treaty of Fort Bowie on subsequent treaties and agreements between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
  • The long-term implications of the Treaty of Fort Bowie can be seen in subsequent treaties where Native American tribes often found themselves negotiating under duress or facing terms that favored U.S. interests over tribal sovereignty. The failure of this treaty to establish lasting peace set a precedent for distrust between Native tribes and federal authorities. Over time, many tribes faced increasing pressures that led to more restrictive agreements and policies such as forced relocation and assimilation efforts, fundamentally altering their social structures and cultural practices.

Related terms

Apache: A group of culturally related tribes, including the Chiricahua and Mescalero, known for their fierce resistance against U.S. military encroachment during the 19th century.

Indian Wars: A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers and military forces during the westward expansion, characterized by battles over land and sovereignty.

Reservation System: A policy established by the U.S. government to confine Native American tribes to designated areas or reservations, often leading to loss of traditional lands and resources.