The Red River War and Its Impact on Southern Plains Tribes

The Red River War was a U.S. military campaign in 1874 to relocate Native American tribes from the southern plains to reservations. The war marked the end of free-roaming tribes on the Great Plains. Prior to this, tribes had a nomadic lifestyle, but the arrival of settlers and the decline of buffalo herds led to conflict. The Medicine Lodge Treaty attempted to establish peace, but was ineffective. Native resistance, led by figures like Isatai and Quanah Parker, resulted in battles such as Adobe Walls. The U.S. military, under General Sheridan, launched aggressive campaigns, culminating in the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon. The war ended in 1875 with the surrender of the last large roaming band, opening the Texas Panhandle to settlers.

What was the primary goal of the Red River War initiated by the U.S. Army in 1874?

• To find new gold deposits

• To expand U.S. territory into Canada

• To relocate Native American tribes to reservations

• To establish trade routes with Mexico

What was the purpose of the Medicine Lodge Treaty signed in 1867?

• To form an alliance with the Mexican government

• To divide land among European settlers

• To establish peace by creating reservations for Native American tribes

• To regulate trade between tribes and settlers

What major event in the 1870s severely impacted the Plains Indians' way of life?

• The discovery of gold in the Black Hills

• The construction of the Transcontinental Railroad

• The near extinction of the buffalo

• The signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie

Who was the spiritual leader that emerged among the Comanches during the crisis of 1873-1874?

• Sitting Bull

• Isatai

• Quanah Parker

• Geronimo

What was the U.S. Army's strategy in dealing with the Southern Plains tribes during the Red River War?

• To build more forts along the frontier

• To enlist the help of other Native American tribes

• To negotiate peace treaties

• To continuously attack until the tribes surrendered

Which battle was a significant victory for the U.S. Army during the Red River War?

• Battle of Adobe Walls

• Battle of Wounded Knee

• Battle of Palo Duro Canyon

• Battle of Little Bighorn

What was the outcome of the Battle of Palo Duro Canyon?

• The Indians successfully defended their territory

• The battle ended in a stalemate

• The U.S. Army captured a large village and destroyed supplies

• The Indians won a decisive victory

When did the Red River War officially end?

• September 1875

• March 1876

• December 1874

• June 1875

What was the significance of Quanah Parker's surrender?

• It resulted in the expansion of Indian Territory

• It led to the signing of a new peace treaty

• It was the last large roaming band of southwestern Indians to surrender

• It marked the beginning of the Texas-Indian Wars

What was the long-term impact of the Red River War on the Texas Panhandle?

• It was designated as a national park

• It became open to settlement by farmers and ranchers

• It was returned to Native American control

• It remained a contested territory