The Plains or "pony" wars between the Americans and the Indian tribes of the mid and South West were inevitable for several reasons. In general terms, the expanding technological society of white America was incompatable with the fragmented nomadic civilisation, with totally alien views on. for example land and property ownership, represented by the Indians. More immediately, the opening up of the West which followed the United States' victory over Mexico in 1848, together with the discovery of gold in California brought a flood of white settlers into the Indian lands. One result of this was growing conflict and friction with the tribes.

Serious clashes did not begin until the late 1850's, involving on the American side a number of later prominent commanders in the Civil War. However the outbreak of Civil War in 1861 postponed any decision on the frontier. Constant fighting and raiding, and numerous large-scale operations, took place however, though the Indians, by the divided nature of their society, were unable to take full advantage of the opportunities which the war might have afforded them. However, the Pony Wars are generally regarded as beginning in about 1860.

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