Apache Tactics 1830–86

Dr Robert Watt is a lecturer at the University of Birmingham where he teaches a course on the Indian Wars for the History Department. He has previously published a number of articles for American history journals on both the Apaches and their campaigns throughout the 19th century and has travelled widely throughout Arizona and Mexico researching the subject.

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• Introduction: Historical summary of Mexican and American confrontations with the Apache peoplesEnvironment & culture: the terrain of Apacheria – the Apache adaption to conditions – the raiding culture – training and leadershipStrategy & Tactics: Evasion – Victorio’s strategy 1879–80Ambush: planned ambush – killing ambush – ambush by decoy – ad hoc ambushAttack – ambush, attack and evasionTargeting of enemy horses – adaption to enemy weapons and practices – terror tactics