Strategic Examination of the 1876 Yellowstone Campaign: Its Implications for Modern Day Peace Enforcement Operations

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical analysis of the post-Civil War Army's conduct of the Peacekeeping Operations conducted in the Trans-Mississippi West against the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. I will specifically examine United States Indian Policy of the time, and I will analyze the Army's ability to support the Government's strategic 'Ends' given the 'Ways' and 'Means' available. I will focus this analysis on the 1876 Yellowstone Campaign, conducted with the operational objective of forcing 'Hostile' bands of Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians back onto their respective Reservations; and the strategic objective of creating a stable environment in the northern plains to facilitate both private and commercial development In the course of the analysis, I will present recommendations for improvement and or application for today's ongoing and future Peacekeeping Operations.