At the beginning of the 1840s the proud tribes of the North American Indians looked across the plains at the seemingly unstoppable expansion of the white man's West. During the decades of conflict that followed, as the new world pushed onward, the Indians saw their way of life disappear before their eyes. Over the next 40 years they clung to a dream of freedom and a continuation of their traditions, a dream that was repeatedly shattered by the whites.

This Pocket Essential Guide charts the savage series of battles, treacheries, massacres and ambushes that shaped those turbulent years. It recounts all the key engagements, from the Minnesota Massacre to the Battle of Wounded Knee, often using eyewitness reports of the time. It also offers an in-depth analysis of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, and attempts to separate the tall tales from the truth.

This essential guide provides notes on the historical context, the reasons behind the bloodshed and the tragic consequences for the Indians. In addition there are biographies of the key figures from both sides, including General's Crook and Custer, and their Indian adversaries Sitting Bull, Geronimo and Crazy Horse. Also included are a chronology of events, a map and a resources section making this a valuable introduction for students of the period.