Navajo Wars

Navajo Wars
Part of the American Indian Wars
Manuelito, a Navajo chief.
Date c. 1600–1866 Location Southwest United States Result United States victory; Navajo moved to reservations in United States.
Belligerents
Spain (1600–1821)  Mexico (1821–1848)  United States (1849–1866)	Navajo
Commanders and leaders
Facundo Melgares José Antonio Vizcarra Edwin Sumner Alexander Doniphan Kit Carson	Narbona Barboncito Manuelito

The term Navajo Wars covers at least three distinct periods of conflict in the American West: the Navajo against the Spanish (late 16th century through 1821); the Navajo against the Mexican government (1821 through 1848); and the Navajo against the United States (after the 1847–48 Mexican–American War). These conflicts ranged from small-scale raiding to large expeditions mounted by governments into territory controlled by the Navajo. The Navajo Wars also encompass the widespread raiding that took place throughout the period; the Navajo raided other tribes and nearby settlements, who in return raided into Navajo territory, creating a cycle of raiding that perpetuated the conflict.