Ep 2. Native American Wars: The Apache

Episode 2 of Battlefield Detectives Season 2 takes a closer look at the Native American Wars and the Apache people who played a critical role in them. As American pioneers moved west in the 1800s, they often came into conflict with the Native American tribes already inhabiting the land. The Apache were a particularly fierce tribe that put up a valiant fight against the encroaching settlers.

In this episode, the Battlefield Detectives team sets out to unearth the secrets of the Apache's military tactics and the strategies they employed in battle. To do this, they visit several key locations in the American southwest, where many of the most significant battles of the Apache Wars took place.

One of the first stops for the team is the Fort Bowie National Historic Site in Arizona. This site was a key military installation during the Apache Wars and played a significant role in many of the battles between the Apache and the US Army. The team investigates the terrain and vegetation of the area as well as the layout of the fort to better understand how the Apache were able to launch surprise attacks on the army and evade their pursuit.

Next, the team travels to Chiricahua National Monument, where the Apache leader Geronimo was finally captured after years of eluding the US Army. Here, they examine the rugged terrain and geological formations of the area to understand how the Apache used the landscape to their advantage in battle.

Throughout the episode, the team interviews historians, military experts, and even Apache descendants to gain insight into the Apache's military tactics and strategies. They learn about the importance of stealth and camouflage in Apache warfare, as well as the tribe's use of psychological warfare to demoralize their enemies.

The team also investigates the weapons and technology used by both sides in the conflict. They examine various rifles and guns used by the US Army and the Apache and compare these to the more traditional weapons used by the Apache, such as the bow and arrow and the tomahawk.

In addition to exploring the physical aspects of the conflict, the team also delves into the cultural and historical context behind the Apache Wars. They discuss the long-standing conflicts between Native American tribes and the US government, as well as the impact of European settlers on Native American culture and traditions.

Overall, this episode of Battlefield Detectives provides a fascinating look at a lesser-known chapter of American history and the role of the Apache people in it. Through careful analysis of terrain, tactics, and technology, the team offers a new perspective on how this conflict unfolded and why it continues to resonate to this day.