Is it ever just to break the law?

The Last Indian Wars in Illinois

Age of Jackson Andrew Jackson dominated this era in history Hero of the Battle of New Orleans and the War of 1812 Indian fighter President in 1828 and 1832

Jacksonian Democracy Greater political participation Expanded franchise More state power, less federal Liberal land laws and improved economic conditions for the common man Removal of Indians as needed

Whigs formed in opposition to “King Andrew the First” Democratic party achieved dominance under Jackson Jacksonians dominated Illinois politics – why?

Winnebago War of 1827 First clash in the war to remove the Indians Two white men were killed by warriors defending the honor of their women Illinois responded by assembling soldiers

Chief Red Bird handed over the warriors to avoid bloodshed Three treaties were signed surrendering 4.5 million acres in N. IL for land in Iowa and other payment Prelude to the Black Hawk War

Black Hawk War of 1832

Sauk & Fox Settlers were eager to gain access to any and all land in IL. Treaty in 1804 gave land in Illinois to USA In 1829, the federal Govt. moved them across the Mississippi into Iowa. Most of the Indians complied with the order. Except Black Hawk

Rock River Valley Resistance Small group that lived in the Rock River valley refused to leave. In response, their homes were burned along with their crops. Without retaliation, they flee across the river to Iowa.

Failed Negotiations Black Hawk tried to argue that the forced removal and earlier treaties forcing the loss of land were illegal. No acceptance was given

Spring 1831 Black Hawk ordered whites off land in IL so they could plant their corn. The cabins of the settlers were burned Gov. Reynolds sent 2500 soldiers

As a result, he was forced to sign another treaty. He could never return to IL again Black Hawk then sought refuge in Iowa

Blackhawk went to Iowa in 1831 but was unable to plant crops Starts to plan an attack Tries to recruit Keokuk Keokuk warns that all who go will die Women and children included Outnumbered by USA

Iowa Attacked by the Sioux Suffered crop failures Experienced malnutrition Feared starvation Black Hawk returns to IL

Spring 1832 In order to better feed his people, Black Hawk returned to plant crops in IL. Settlers feared more attacks.

Here comes the Cavalry 1,000 regular Army soldiers and 1,935 militiamen were called up to take on Black Hawk.

Famous Participants Abraham Lincoln became a Captain in the militia Lieutenant Robert Anderson was later in charge of Ft. Sumter Lieutenant Jefferson Davis Colonel Zachary Taylor Gen. Winfield Scott

Flag of Truce Black Hawk could not get IL Indians to help in the fight. BH sends a delegation under a flag of truce to avoid any fighting.

The delegation is fired at by the militia. BH was outnumbered 275 to 40 BH’s men attack causing the militia to run killing 12 men.

Indian Creek Massacre Potawatomi Indians attack Cabins are burned 16 killed and 2 girls are kidnapped This caused an army of 4,000 to chase the Indians into Wisconsin.

Bad Axe

Bad Axe 1832 BH’s people were exhausted and starving as they were trying to get away from the Army. BH tries again to call a truce in order to save the women & children

Massacre at Bad Axe The Army ignored the offer of surrender.

Battle of Bad Axe Soldiers chased them to the river, a gunboat was on the river, and the Sioux were waiting on the other side. Women & children crossing the river were shot. More than 300 died

Black Hawk escaped but was later captured. In 15 weeks 600 Indians & 72 whites were dead. All Indians in IL were forced to cede their land No reservations in IL