Lecture Notes: Conflicts with Natives and Origins of the War of 1812

Introduction

• Focus on two major topics:
  • Conflicts with Native Nations
  • Origins of the War of 1812

Conflicts with Native Nations

Problems in the West

• Persistent issues with Native Nations due to encroachment by white settlers.
• Fighting on the frontier every time it expanded.
• Last major conflict was the Northwest Indian War (ended 1795).

British Influence

• Post-Jay's Treaty, British troops left the U.S. but remained in Canada.
• British resumed arming and encouraging Native Nations against the U.S.

Tecumseh's War

• Leader: Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation.
• Goal: Remove whites from the Northwest and reclaim lands.
• Strategy: Avoid direct confrontation with U.S. forces, similar to Washington's tactics in the American Revolution.
• 1811: Tecumseh went South, leaving his brother, Tenskwatawa, in charge.
  • Tenskwatawa directly engaged U.S. forces at the Battle of Tippecanoe.
  • Result: Defeat for Tenskwatawa and discovery of British support.

Significance

• Evidence of British support led to calls for war in the U.S., especially from "war hawks."
• President Madison eventually declared war in 1812.

Conclusion of Tecumseh's War

• 1813: Tecumseh returns and receives open British support.
• Battle of the Thames: Tecumseh killed, ending his coalition.
• Consequences:
  • Permanent removal of British from the Northwest.
  • Final major Native conflict in the region.

Creek War

Background

• Centered in modern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia.
• Emerged from a civil war among Creek Nations regarding conflict with the U.S.

Creek Civil War

• Pro-U.S. Faction: Lower Creek, allied with U.S.
• Pro-Conflict Faction: Red Stick Creek, attacked U.S. settlements.

U.S. Response

• Andrew Jackson appointed to unite U.S. forces.
• Resulted in a devastating defeat for the Red Stick Creek.

Treaty of Fort Jackson

• Terms: Creeks ceded 23 million acres of land to the U.S.
• Impact:
  • Huge loss of land for Creeks and other Native Nations.
  • Jackson's rise as a national hero and future president.

Significance of Wars

• Demonstrates ongoing struggle for land and power.
• Set the stage for U.S. policies leading to further Native displacement.

Next Topic

• Upcoming focus on the War of 1812 against Britain, emphasizing political aspects rather than military battles.

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These notes cover the key points discussed in the lecture, providing an overview of the conflicts with Native Nations, the role of British influence, and the origins and impact of the War of 1812.