Tecumseh, the War of 1812, and the American Frontier

Native American Resistance and Westward Expansion

As well as acquiring extra lands, the government encouraged white aggression against the Natives, who suffered greatly from these incursions.

In fear of the destruction of their way of life, the Natives reacted. Under the leadership of Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, the tribes formed an alliance and promised to sell no more land to the whites.

Tecumseh remained true to his belief that a Confederation could be established among the Native tribes of all North America.

The War of 1812 and the Native Alliance

On the verge of the War of 1812 between Great Britain and America, Tecumseh traveled among the tribes to call for a Confederation with the hope of securing British arms. The goal was to overcome traditional tribal conflicts.

The War of 1812 was the result of the renewed conflict between France and Britain in the Napoleonic Wars. The United States remained neutral, but blockades of shipping by both France and Britain affected American rights and commerce. Furthermore, the British Navy's policy of impressing sailors on American merchant ships led to a declaration of war. During the conflict, Washington was attacked and the White House was burned, before the American army stopped the British at the Battle of New Orleans, led by Andrew Jackson.

The Decline of the Northwest Confederation

Before the War of 1812, a struggle at Tippercanoe in 1811 showed the weakness of the Northwest Confederation. When the war began, British support became limited, but Tecumseh still initiated a campaign against the United States. He died while assisting the British in Canada at the Battle of the Thames in 1813, which effectively ended Shawnee resistance.

After the war, remaining lands were ceded, and the Northwestern tribes were moved to reservations west of the Mississippi in accordance with exclusionist policies. Further actions continued against Native Americans throughout the 19th century.

The American Frontier and Civilization

American history is defined by the colonization of the American West. The frontier is often described as the meeting point between savagery and civilization, progressing through several stages:

• The Hunter: Initial contact with indigenous populations.
• The Trader: The disintegration of traditional ways of life.
• The Pastoral Stage: The emergence of ranch life.
• Early Settlement: Sparse farming communities.
• Intensive Culture: Denser farm settlements.
• Industrialization: Manufacturing, cities, and factory systems.

The frontier promoted a composite nationality for the American people, created a demand for merchants—leading to national trade and wealth—and heavily influenced American legislation and the disposition of public lands.