Howard's Command and Control of Idaho's Nez Perce War
Abstract
This study investigates Brigadier General Oliver O. Howard's command and control of Idaho's Nez Perce War of 1877. The Nez Perce War aroused a wide range of emotions in the public and the military. While most Easterners labeled the army as being blood-thirsty and inhumane, most Idaho Territory's settlers looked at the army as lifesavers. The Secretary of War, George W. McCrary, recognized and complimented Howard for his endurance, courage, and skill, but General Sherman thought his former Corps Commander lacked drived and aggressiveness. Should Howard have been relieved? The one-armed praying Brigadier General Howard did a very professional job when one considers all the factors. Howard had to work quickly to prevent an Indian coalition uprising while mustering sufficient forces to protect the settlers and subdue the hostile Nez Perce. He faced a very experienced foe who had the means to fight a war in a very demanding terrain. On the other hand, the army had improperly equipped Howard's substandard soldiers. Howard had to prosecute the war over a vast territory which crossed several lines of command. Upon reviewing the whole situation, Howard effectively commanded and controlled his operations to accomplish his mission. Nez Perce War, Oliver 0. Howard, Frontier Army, Indian Campaigns Military Operations, Indian Wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 04, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA272859
Entities
People
- Charles K. Ford
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College