During the course of history, conflicts known as the American Indian Wars, Frontier Wars, First Nations Wars, or the Indian Wars took place when European governments, colonies, American and Canadian settlers engaged in warfare with various American Indian and First Nation tribes. These battles occurred across North America, spanning from the 17th century to the early 20th century, with diverse causes ranging from land usage disputes to retaliatory cycles of violence. This was not uncommon.

After 1780, armed confrontations between settlers and different Indian or First Nation tribes intensified in extent, duration, and intensity. A significant turning point came during the War of 1812, where large Indian alliances from the Midwest and South fought against the United States and suffered defeats. Over time, treaties between the federal government and certain tribes helped reduce hostilities between settlers and the native population.

The passage of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 authorized the expulsion of Indians living east of the Mississippi River to Indian Territory in the western United States, particularly in what would become Oklahoma. This removal policy continued as American settlers expanded their territory, relocating Indian tribes to designated Indian reserves in the West.