Tecumseh grew up amid constant warfare that ravaged the Ohio Valley in the late 1700s. His father, Puckeshinwa, a minor war chief, was killed in the Battle of Port Pleasant during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). His mother, Methoataske, migrated with other Shawnees to what is now Missouri. This left Tecumseh to be raised by his older sister, Tecumpease. Young Warrior During his teenage years, Tecumseh joined a confederation of Native Americans led by Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. Brant encouraged tribes to pool their resources and defend their territory against the white man’s advances. Tecumseh led a raiding party that attacked the boats of white settlers who were traveling down the Ohio River. For a while, he successfully stopped settlers from moving on the river. However, Tecumseh was appalled by the brutality displayed by both whites and Native Americans. After seeing a white man burned at the stake, Tecumseh vehemently criticized his fellow tribesmen for their actions. In 1791, under the leadership of Shawnee chief Blue Jacket, Tecumseh led a scouting party against U.S. General Arthur St. Clair at the Battle of the Wabash. Other Native Americans joined the Shawnee in this battle, which killed 952 of the 1,000 American soldiers present. In June 1794, Tecumseh, fought against troops led by Major General Anthony Wayne, but the Native Americans were badly defeated at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Forming A Confederation Of Native American Tribes This defeat led to the Treaty of Greenville between the United States and Native American tribes. Tecumseh was so bitter about this loss that he refused to attend the peace negotiations or to acknowledge the treaty. He sharply criticized the chiefs who signed away land that he “peace” believed wasn’t theirs to give. He said that the land was like the air and water, a common possession of all Native Americans.
Tecumseh grew up amid constant warfare that ravaged the Ohio Valley in the late 1700s. His father, Puckeshinwa, a minor war chief, was killed in the Battle of Port Pleasant during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). His mother, Methoataske, migrated with other Shawnees to what is now Missouri. This left Tecumseh to be raised by his older sister, Tecumpease. Young Warrior During his teenage years, Tecumseh joined a confederation of Native Americans led by Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. Brant encouraged tribes to pool their resources and defend their territory against the white man’s advances. Tecumseh led a raiding party that attacked the boats of white settlers who were traveling down the Ohio River. For a while, he successfully stopped settlers from moving on the river. However, Tecumseh was appalled by the brutality displayed by both whites and Native Americans. After seeing a white man burned at the stake, Tecumseh vehemently criticized his fellow tribesmen for their actions. In 1791, under the leadership of Shawnee chief Blue Jacket, Tecumseh led a scouting party against U.S. General Arthur St. Clair at the Battle of the Wabash. Other Native Americans joined the Shawnee in this battle, which killed 952 of the 1,000 American soldiers present. In June 1794, Tecumseh, fought against troops led by Major General Anthony Wayne, but the Native Americans were badly defeated at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. Forming A Confederation Of Native American Tribes This defeat led to the Treaty of Greenville between the United States and Native American tribes. Tecumseh was so bitter about this loss that he refused to attend the peace negotiations or to acknowledge the treaty. He sharply criticized the “peace” chiefs who signed away land that he believed wasn’t theirs to give. He said that the land was like the air and water, a common possession of all Native Americans.
sacagawea_and_tecumsah_.docx