Geronimo
... However, Mexico does not recognize the rights of the Apache and their land, and as a result, there is constant conflict between the inhabitants. In 1840, the Apache are facing near extermination because they will not surrender their land or their way of life. And now, bounty hunters now earn $100 for male Apache scalps, $50 for female Apache scalps, and $25 for children Apache scalps. In 1851, 400 Mexican soldiers attack an Apache camp, slaughtering women and children including Geronimo’s family. Ironically, Geronimo is on his way back to the camp to talk about peace, all the while his family and friends is being massacred. The Apache are never subdued by Mexico, because the Apache territory is won by the US and ultimately does not remain as a part of Mexico. Regardless, the Apache do not believe that Mexico has the authority to give away their land in the first place. Apache descendant, Anita Lester, explains that the American Settlers and Indians are now friends and that the Apache are curious about the settlers. The settlers come in search of mining prospects and hunting. These actions, overdone, lead to conflict between the settlers and the Apache. Treaties are constantly violated by lawless elements in the white population, for “a good Indian” is “a dead Indian.” Where as with the Apache, your word is your life. The Apache are an obstacle in the path of the white exploitation of the land. In 1861, and the Apache country is collapsing and war is eminent. In 1871, General William Orey leads 100 men against the camp of the Apache. At this point, the Apache are no longer as safe as the settlers. This camp grand massacre set up by Orey creates public outrage, and the government reacts with a new policy that hopefully secures the white and Indian alike. A year later in 1872, the government wants the Cheewakawa to farm land, but the land is desolate, baron, and thus, useless. Instead, the Apache asked for cattle, but are given nothing. Inspite of near of starvation, they still manage to keep the peace. However, in 1876, a new federal policy closes the Cheewakawa reservation and sends them to war at Fort Bowie. Because of this Geronimo escapes to Mexico, and within a months time manages to kill sixty-eight settlers and become a wanted man in New Mexico. He is temporarily captured and sent to San Carlos. There, he escapes with 400 of his people and flee to Sierra Madre. Sierra Madre is where Gernimo encounters General Crooke. Crooke is a different kind of militia who treats Indians with respect; for example, he does not lie or make promises that he can not keep. However, General Crooke sees Geronimo’s people as a threat to peace between the U.S. and Indian nations. Crooke searches for Geronimo but his soldiers are no match for the Apache. He can not keep up with them on the wild terrain, so he uses two other Apache as scouts to help him locate the band. Forty days later they are able to locate and meet up with the band. Transcript meetings are conducted and Crooke gives Geronimo an ultimatum. Geronimo’s people are dying, and he is told to either surrender or stay on the war path. They meet the next day and Geroni...