2 What goal does John Ford have in the Indian Wars?

John Ford’s approach to the Indian Wars wasn’t so much about advocating a straightforward political agenda as it was about using the history of the frontier to shape a greater mythic narrative about America. In his films dealing with this period, Ford sought to reimagine the Indian Wars as a crucible in which the American character was forged. His goal was twofold: 1. To mythologize the American West. Ford was interested in telling stories that evoked a heroic, larger‐than‐life vision of the frontier. By depicting the struggles—often centered on the old cavalry and the lone, stoic figure confronting both nature and an “other” in conflict—he contributed to a romanticized national mythology. His work frequently emphasizes themes like duty, sacrifice, and the inevitability of change, turning historical events into emblematic narratives about courage and destiny. 2. To explore the moral complexities behind the legend. Even while his films celebrated elements of the West, Ford did not entirely ignore its darker, more ambiguous aspects. He often imbued his depictions with a sense of loss or melancholy. In showing the violent encounters and the tragic consequences of cultural collision, he invited viewers to reflect on the costs of expansion and the relentless passage of a way of life—a conflict where the “heroic” valor of the soldiers coexisted with a harsh, often brutal reality. This dual focus allowed him to offer a vision of American progress that was as much about noble ideals as it was about the contested, consequential choices underlying that progress. In summary, Ford’s “goal” in his treatment of the Indian Wars was not to simply recount military victories or condemn one side or the other. Rather, he aimed to forge a mythic, emotionally resonant narrative that celebrated the spirit of the West while also acknowledging the inherent tragedies and moral ambiguities of America’s expansion.