The western Indian wars raged off and on from 1865 to 1886 what even in 1864 helped spark these wars?

The western Indian wars were significantly sparked by the discovery of gold in the Colorado Territory in 1858, leading to a massive influx of settlers and miners into Native American lands. This encroachment intensified conflicts over territory and resources, prompting the U.S. government to seek treaties that were often violated. Additionally, the U.S. military's efforts to assert control over these regions further escalated tensions, culminating in a series of confrontations between Native tribes and settlers. The combination of territorial disputes and broken treaties laid the groundwork for the extended conflicts of the ensuing decades.