Glossary

6.3 Key leaders and their roles in resistance movements

3 min read•august 9, 2024

Native American leaders fought fiercely against colonial expansion and U.S. policies. From 's war in New England to 's , they united tribes to protect their lands and ways of life.

In the 19th century, leaders like and continued the struggle. They used guerrilla tactics and formed alliances to resist forced relocation and defend their territories against U.S. military forces.

Native American Resistance Leaders of the 17th-18th Centuries

Early Colonial Resistance Leaders

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  • Metacomet (King Philip) led the Wampanoag Confederacy in (1675-1678) against English colonists in New England
    • Organized a coalition of Native American tribes to resist colonial expansion
    • Fought to preserve Native American lands and way of life
    • Conflict resulted in significant casualties on both sides and changed the balance of power in the region
  • , an Odawa war chief, orchestrated (1763-1766) against British forces in the Great Lakes region
    • United multiple tribes in a widespread uprising following the French and Indian War
    • Sought to drive out British settlers and maintain French alliance
    • Siege of Fort Detroit became a pivotal moment in the conflict

Late 18th Century Resistance Leader

  • Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader, formed a pan-Indian alliance in the early 19th century
    • Advocated for Native American unity and resistance against U.S. expansion
    • Collaborated with his brother, (The Prophet), to promote cultural and spiritual revitalization
    • Fought alongside British forces during the
    • His death in 1813 marked the end of organized Native resistance in the Old Northwest

Native American Resistance Leaders of the 19th Century

Early 19th Century Resistance Leaders

  • , a Sauk leader, led the (1832) in Illinois and Wisconsin
    • Resisted forced relocation from tribal lands
    • Conflict resulted in the defeat of Black Hawk's band and further loss of Native American territory
  • emerged as a prominent leader during the (1835-1842) in Florida
    • Employed guerrilla warfare tactics against U.S. forces
    • Resisted forced relocation of Seminoles to Indian Territory
    • Captured under a flag of truce, which sparked controversy and debate about military ethics

Leaders of the Great Plains Resistance

  • Sitting Bull, a chief and holy man, played a crucial role in resisting U.S. expansion into the Great Plains
    • Led the Lakota alliance during the of 1876
    • Participated in the victory at the
    • Sought refuge in Canada before returning to the U.S. in 1881
    • Killed during an attempt to arrest him in 1890
  • , an war leader, fought alongside Sitting Bull in numerous conflicts
    • Known for his military prowess and strategic abilities
    • Played a significant role in the Battle of Little Bighorn
    • Surrendered in 1877 and was killed under controversial circumstances at Fort Robinson
  • , an Oglala Lakota chief, led (1866-1868) against the U.S. government
    • Successfully forced the closure of the Bozeman Trail and the abandonment of forts in Lakota territory
    • Negotiated the in 1868, securing the Black Hills for the Lakota
    • Later advocated for peaceful negotiations with the U.S. government

Southwestern Resistance Leader

  • Geronimo, an Apache leader, resisted Mexican and American expansion in the Southwest
    • Led numerous raids and military campaigns against Mexican and American forces
    • Evaded capture for many years, becoming a symbol of Native American resistance
    • Surrendered in 1886, marking the end of the

Pacific Northwest Resistance Leader

  • of the led his people in a 1,170-mile retreat from U.S. Army forces in 1877
    • Attempted to lead his people to Canada to avoid forced relocation
    • Skillfully outmaneuvered pursuing U.S. troops for over three months
    • Surrendered with his famous speech: "I will fight no more forever"
    • Became an eloquent spokesperson for Native American rights in his later years

Key Terms to Review (25)

Apache Wars: The Apache Wars were a series of armed conflicts between various Apache tribes and the United States government, occurring primarily from the mid-19th century into the 1880s. These wars were fueled by the U.S. government's expansionist policies, which encroached upon Apache lands and disrupted their traditional way of life. The conflicts highlighted the struggles of Native American tribes against colonization and the fight for their rights and autonomy.
Battle of Little Bighorn: The Battle of Little Bighorn, fought on June 25-26, 1876, was a significant conflict between the United States Army and a coalition of Native American tribes, primarily the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the larger struggles between Native Americans and European settlers, highlighting resistance against U.S. expansion and military action against Indigenous peoples.
Black Hawk: Black Hawk was a prominent leader of the Sauk tribe, best known for his role in the Black Hawk War of 1832 against American expansion into Native American territories. He symbolized resistance to U.S. encroachment and sought to protect his people's land and way of life, highlighting the broader struggles of Native American tribes during this period of forced removal and conflict.
Black Hawk War: The Black Hawk War was a conflict between the United States and Native American tribes, primarily the Sauk and Fox, led by the chief Black Hawk, from 1832 to 1833. This war emerged from tensions over land disputes in Illinois and Wisconsin as settlers moved westward, highlighting the struggles of Indigenous peoples against U.S. expansion and policies that disregarded their rights and treaties.
Chief Joseph: Chief Joseph was a prominent leader of the Nez Perce tribe who became known for his eloquent speeches and resistance against the U.S. government's attempts to force his people onto reservations. He led his tribe during the Nez Perce War of 1877, where he sought to protect their ancestral lands and way of life. His legacy symbolizes the broader struggles of Native American resistance against oppression and reflects on leadership roles in indigenous movements.
Crazy Horse: Crazy Horse was a prominent Lakota warrior and leader known for his role in the resistance against U.S. expansion into Native American territories during the 19th century. He is celebrated for his bravery and tactical genius, particularly in leading his people during the Battle of Little Bighorn, where his forces achieved a significant victory over General Custer's troops. Crazy Horse symbolizes the fierce resistance of Indigenous peoples against colonization and has become an enduring icon of Native American pride.
Geronimo: Geronimo was a prominent leader and warrior of the Apache tribe, best known for his fierce resistance against the U.S. government's attempts to confine his people to reservations during the late 19th century. He became a symbol of Native American resistance and resilience, representing the struggle of indigenous peoples against colonization and oppression.
Great Sioux War: The Great Sioux War, also known as the Black Hills War, was a series of conflicts between the United States and various Native American tribes, primarily the Sioux, that took place from 1876 to 1877. This war arose due to the U.S. government's encroachment on Sioux territory and the discovery of gold in the Black Hills, leading to significant resistance from key leaders of the Sioux Nation who sought to protect their lands and way of life.
Hunkpapa Lakota: The Hunkpapa Lakota are one of the seven sub-divisions of the Lakota Sioux Nation, historically residing in the Great Plains region of North America. They played a crucial role in resistance movements against U.S. expansion and colonization during the 19th century, significantly influencing the dynamics between Native American tribes and the federal government.
King Philip's War: King Philip's War was a conflict that occurred between 1675 and 1676 in New England, primarily between Native American inhabitants led by Metacom (known as King Philip) and English colonists. This war marked one of the deadliest conflicts in American history relative to the population, resulting in significant loss of life and territory for Native Americans and changing the dynamics of colonial-Native relations in the region.
Metacomet: Metacomet, also known as King Philip, was a leader of the Wampanoag tribe who played a central role in the resistance against English colonization in the 17th century. He is best known for leading King Philip's War, a conflict that arose from growing tensions between Native American tribes and English settlers over land encroachment, resource exploitation, and cultural differences. Metacomet's leadership during this war made him a symbol of Native American resistance and highlighted the struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in the face of European expansion.
Nez Perce: The Nez Perce are a Native American tribe located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, primarily in what is now Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, skilled horsemanship, and resistance to U.S. government policies that sought to remove them from their ancestral lands. The Nez Perce played a significant role in the historical events surrounding westward expansion and are recognized for their leadership during conflicts with settlers and the U.S. military.
Oglala Lakota: The Oglala Lakota are a Native American tribe that is part of the larger Lakota nation, known for their rich culture and significant role in resistance movements against U.S. government policies in the 19th and 20th centuries. They primarily reside on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and are recognized for their leadership during pivotal events such as the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre, which showcased their resilience and determination in preserving their way of life.
Osceola: Osceola was a prominent leader of the Seminole people in Florida during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), known for his fierce resistance against the U.S. government's efforts to forcibly remove Native Americans from their ancestral lands. He became a symbol of Native American resistance and resilience, rallying his people to fight for their rights and sovereignty amidst increasing pressure from settlers and military forces.
Pan-Indian Alliance: A Pan-Indian Alliance refers to a movement where different Native American tribes come together to unite for common political and social goals, often in response to shared challenges such as colonization, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. This collaboration emphasizes solidarity across tribal lines, enabling Native Americans to collectively resist external pressures and advocate for their rights and sovereignty.
Pontiac: Pontiac was an influential Ottawa chief known for leading a major resistance movement against British colonial rule in North America during the 18th century. His leadership marked a significant moment in the struggle of Native American tribes to maintain their autonomy and land after the French and Indian War, highlighting the complex dynamics between Indigenous peoples and European powers in the region.
Pontiac's Rebellion: Pontiac's Rebellion was a conflict that took place in 1763-1766, initiated by Native American tribes under the leadership of the Ottawa chief Pontiac. This uprising aimed to resist British rule and encroachment on their lands following the French and Indian War, demonstrating the broader resistance of Indigenous peoples to colonization and their fight for sovereignty in a rapidly changing landscape.
Red Cloud: Red Cloud was a prominent Lakota leader and war chief who played a crucial role in the resistance against U.S. government policies and military actions during the 19th century. He is best known for leading Red Cloud's War from 1866 to 1868, which was a significant conflict aimed at protecting Lakota territory from encroachment by settlers and the U.S. military, as well as advocating for the rights of his people.
Red Cloud's War: Red Cloud's War was a conflict that took place from 1866 to 1868 between the United States Army and the Lakota Sioux, led by Chief Red Cloud. This war was significant as it represented one of the first instances in which Native American forces successfully united to resist U.S. expansion into their territories, leading to the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1868 that recognized Lakota sovereignty over the Black Hills.
Second Seminole War: The Second Seminole War was a military conflict in Florida that occurred between 1835 and 1842, primarily involving the United States government and the Seminole Tribe. This war was driven by the U.S. government's attempts to remove the Seminoles from their lands in Florida to facilitate westward expansion and the implementation of the Indian Removal Act. The war highlighted the struggles of Native American tribes against U.S. encroachment and showcased significant resistance efforts led by key leaders within the Seminole community.
Sitting Bull: Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader and medicine man who played a pivotal role in the resistance against U.S. government policies towards Native Americans during the late 19th century. Known for his leadership at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, he became a symbol of Native American resistance and perseverance, showcasing strategies of resistance and adaptation to federal encroachment on tribal lands.
Tecumseh: Tecumseh was a prominent Shawnee leader and warrior who played a significant role in Native American resistance against the encroachment of European settlers in the early 19th century. He is best known for his efforts to unite various Native American tribes to create a confederation that could effectively resist U.S. expansion and protect their lands, which connects deeply to strategies of resistance and adaptation as well as highlighting key leadership in resistance movements.
Tenskwatawa: Tenskwatawa, also known as the Prophet, was a Native American religious leader and visionary of the Shawnee tribe in the early 19th century. He played a crucial role in the movement to resist colonization by promoting a return to traditional Indigenous ways of life and spiritual practices, emphasizing unity among tribes against European encroachment. Tenskwatawa's teachings were instrumental in the formation of a confederation aimed at opposing the expansion of settlers into Native territories.
Treaty of Fort Laramie: The Treaty of Fort Laramie, signed in 1851, was an agreement between the United States government and various Native American tribes to establish peace and define territorial boundaries in the Great Plains. This treaty is significant as it reflects early interactions between the U.S. government and Native tribes, highlighting issues of tribal sovereignty, land rights, and self-determination.
War of 1812: The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the United States and Great Britain from 1812 to 1815, primarily over issues such as trade restrictions and impressment of American sailors. This war had significant implications for Native American resistance movements, as various tribes allied with the British in an effort to resist U.S. expansion into their territories.
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