The Nez Perce Wars were a series of wars between the Nez Perce and the United States government. The Nez Perce were led by several chiefs, including Chief Joseph, Chief Ollicot, and Chief Looking Glass. The American Army was represented mainly by General Oliver Otis Howard. Colonel John Gibbon, Colonel Nelson A. Miles and Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis were involved as well.

The conflict began when white ranchers realized that the Wallowa valley where the Indians lived would make great open range for their cattle. As a result the U.S. Government pressured the Indians to move to a reservation or be removed by force. At first, the Nez Perce agreed to the move in order to forestall violence. Unfortunately, four whites were killed by Nez Perce en route to the reservation. Joseph and the other Chiefs decided to travel to Montana to stay with the Crow Tribe, a tribe they knew from their buffalo hunting in the area. The Nez Perce traveled through Idaho towards Montana, fighting the U.S. Army in several battles along the way. The Nez Perce were victorious in all of these engagements. The Nez Perce then entered Montana through the tough and moountainous Lolo Pass. They continued on to Yellowstone Park and then north towards Canada. When they were within a few days ride of Canada, the Nez Perce were ambushed by General Miles and were forced to surrender.