The Key Attributes of the Comanches

The key attribute that enabled the Comanche Indians to survive was that they were incredibly adaptable. They would take whatever was around them and use it to help them on the plains.

 

An example of this is when the Comanches first left the Shoshoni People. They used dogs to pull a travois, a sled like object designed to pull goods, however once they got to the plains and found the great stallions that the Comanches ended up being closely linked to, the adapting ability of the Comanche people really began to show. They began to use the horses to pull the travois and they also used them to increase their hunting ability on buffalo by being able to run after, and then hunt down the buffalo. The Comanche also became some of the best horsemen in the world. They were regarded to have the best light infantry in the world. Because of their riding ability, they were able to conduct quicker and more powerful raids.

 

In around 1750 the Comanches found French traders on the plains and traded the stolen horses for French firearms. This is another example of their attribute. The Comanches used the traders to the best advantage, with firearms utilised by the Comanche they were far above par with the military power of the Texans and the Comanches enemies. The use of guns often led to tougher battles with the Texans and the Americans. There was one battle with the Comanches and Texans that ended horribly. The people who looked through the aftermath of the battle said that it looked like a mass suicide from the Texans. Apparently, the Comanches were so fierce that the soldiers followed an old Texan army saying “When fighting Indians, always keep the last bullet for yourself”.