Nez Perce Wars

Bear Paw - Nez Perce War

 

The Nez Perce Wars were a series of battles between Nez Perce warriors and the U.S. Government in 1877. As White settlers made their way into Wyoming and Idaho, the U.S. Government coerced the Nez Perce to move to a reservation. The Nez Perce reluctantly agreed in order to prevent violence but did not consider the treaty binding. On route to the reservation, four white settlers were killed by Nez Perce warriors; rather than continue to the reservation, Nez Perce chiefs decided to join the Crow resistance in Montana. Isolated skirmishes between the Nez Perce and U.S. military forces in Montana and Idaho continued through much of 1877. In some of the battles, such as those at White Bird Canyon and Big Hole, the Nez Perce were able to drive off U.S. military forces and postpone their fate. The fighting continued as the Nez Perce attempted to flee to Canada through the mountains of Montana. As the Nez Perce made their way to the Canada border, they were besieged by U.S. forces under General Nelson Miles and forced to surrender in what came be to known as the Battle of Bear Paw. In all, over 300 Americans were killed or wounded in the war, as were about 120 Nez Perce.

Discussion Questions
  • Why did the Nez Perce agree to move to a reservation, and what does this decision reveal about their relationship with the U.S. government?
  • What role did the killing of the four settlers play in escalating the conflict between the Nez Perce and the U.S. military?
  • How did the Nez Perce manage to hold off U.S. forces in some battles, and what does this say about their military tactics and determination?
  • What were the long-term consequences of the Nez Perce Wars for both the tribe and U.S. policy toward Native Americans?

Conflict Begins

The Nez Perce Wars were a series of battles in 1877 between the Nez Perce tribe and the U.S. government. As white settlers moved into Wyoming and Idaho, the U.S. forced the Nez Perce to move to a reservation. The tribe agreed to go, hoping to avoid violence, but didn’t fully accept the treaty.

Violence Breaks Out

While traveling to the reservation, some Nez Perce warriors killed four white settlers. Instead of continuing to the reservation, Nez Perce leaders decided to join the Crow resistance in Montana. This led to small battles with U.S. troops across Idaho and Montana.

Major Battles

The Nez Perce won some battles, such as White Bird Canyon and Big Hole, where they held off U.S. soldiers and delayed their capture. They continued fleeing through the mountains, trying to reach Canada for safety.

Surrender at Bear Paw

Near the Canadian border, the Nez Perce were surrounded by U.S. forces led by General Nelson Miles. They were forced to surrender at the Battle of Bear Paw. In total, about 300 Americans and 120 Nez Perce were killed or wounded during the conflict.