Google Search Indian Civil War. Native Americans In The Civil War. Union and Confederate Indians in the Civil War. BUFFALO SOLDIERS & INDIAN WARS. Native Americans and the Civil War. Native Americans Most tribes and nations of Native Americans did not have amiable relations with the government of the United States. A long history of broken promises and violated treaties meant that thousands of Indians had been pushed off their land and forced to settle further west, or on reservations.
During the Civil War, many remained tribes tried to remain neutral. Nevertheless, their loyalty to the Union was often severely tested. Because the war absorbed so many government resources, the annuities owed to the Santee Sioux in Minnesota were not paid on time in the summer of 1862. In addition, Long Trader Sibley refused the Santee Sioux access to food until the funds were delivered. In frustration, the Santee Sioux, led by Little Crow (Ta-oya-te-duta), attacked settlers. Lincoln requested full information about the convictions, and assigned two attorneys to examine the cases and differentiate between those guilty of murder and those simply engaged in battle.