Based on original documents from the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), this film tells the story of the young warrior Ulzana, who is out to avenge the extermination of his tribe. 

In 1822, the Mimbreno Apache Indians enter into an agreement with a Mexican mining company, relinquishing all mining rights and guaranteeing the safety of the copper town of Santa Rita del Cobre, as well as its access roads. In return, the company guarantees the livelihood of the Native Americans, who hardly have any hunting grounds left. 

American companies are also interested in the precious metal deposits, however. Under their orders, mining engineer and geologist Johnson attempts to expel the Mimbrenos. When the annual food rations are handed out in Santa Rita, Johnson massacres the Native Americans with army cannon. For this savage slaughter, he receives a huge reward. Ulzana assumes the role of chief, leads the few surviving Mimbrenos to a neighboring Apache tribe and vows to avenge the atrocity perpetrated against his people. During the attack on the American settlement, a life-and-death struggle ensues between Johnson and Ulzana.

Apaches is one of the classic Indianerfilme, or Westerns, produced by DEFA between 1966 and 1985.