Who was the only Native American to achieve the rank of general in the Confederate Army?

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Stand Watie was the only Native American to achieve the rank of general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He was a leader of the Cherokee Nation and played a crucial role in the conflict, aligning his forces with the Confederacy. His military strategies and resistance against Union forces were significant, and he commanded forces that were involved in several engagements. Watie is notable not only for his rank but also for being the last Confederate general to surrender at the end of the Civil War.

The other individuals listed, while prominent Native American leaders, were not associated with the Confederate Army during this time. Quanah Parker was a well-known Comanche leader but operated in different historical contexts, particularly in resistance against Westward expansion. Geronimo was a leader of the Apache and famously resisted U.S. government policies but never served as a general. Cochise, also a prominent Apache leader, fought against U.S. military expansion but similarly did not rise to the rank of general in any military organization. Thus, Stand Watie stands out as a unique figure in this historical narrative.

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