Overview
This lecture covers the conflict between the United States and Native nations leading up to the War of 1812, focusing on Tecumseh's War and the Creek War as causes and context.
Native Conflicts in the West
- Settler encroachment on Native lands frequently led to frontier fighting in the Northwest.
- After Jay’s Treaty, British troops left, but Britain continued arming and encouraging Native resistance from Canada.
- Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader, formed a coalition of around 10 Native nations to resist American expansion and reclaim lost lands.
- Tecumseh's brother, Tenskwatawa, inspired the movement through spiritual leadership.
Tecumseh’s War
- Tecumseh's coalition led raids against settlers, avoiding direct battle with General William Henry Harrison.
- In 1811, while Tecumseh sought allies in the South, Tenskwatawa attacked Harrison at the Battle of Tippecanoe and was defeated, weakening the coalition.
- Evidence of British support for Native forces increased US hostility toward Britain.
- Tecumseh returned in 1813, received British aid, and was defeated and killed at the Battle of the Thames, ending significant Native resistance in the Northwest.
Significance of Tecumseh’s War
- Ended major British influence in the Great Lakes and Northwest region.
- Marked the last large-scale Native conflict in the region.
- Strengthened calls for war with Britain among "warhawks" in the US.
The Creek War
- Tecumseh's southern outreach contributed to the Creek Civil War in Alabama and Mississippi Territories.
- The “Red Stick” Creek, led by a militant faction, fought the pro-US “Lower Creek.”
- Red Stick Creek attacked settlements, prompting US and Lower Creek alliance against them.
- Andrew Jackson led US forces to defeat the Red Stick faction.
- The Treaty of Fort Jackson forced all Creek to cede over 23 million acres, regardless of alliances.
Significance of the Creek War
- The Creek loss of land severely weakened the Creek and other Native nations.
- The US fought these wars simultaneously with the War of 1812 against Britain.
- Andrew Jackson's role launched his rise to national prominence and future Indian Removal policies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Embargo Act — US law banning trade with foreign nations during Jefferson's presidency.
- Tecumseh — Shawnee leader who organized a Native coalition to resist US expansion.
- Tenskwatawa — Tecumseh's brother and spiritual leader of the movement.
- Battle of Tippecanoe — 1811 clash where US forces defeated Tenskwatawa’s followers.
- Creek War — Civil war among Creek nations over resistance to US, leading to massive land loss.
- Treaty of Fort Jackson — 1814 treaty forcing the Creek to cede over half their land to the US.
- Warhawks — US politicians advocating for war with Britain in 1812.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the political context of the War of 1812.
- Prepare for discussion on the war’s politics, not military battles, in the next lecture.