Honors US History I Westward Expansion

The Black Hawk War

Events:

• In 1832, Black Hawk led a group of Sauk, Meswakis, and Kickapoo indigenous tribes across the Mississippi into Illinois with the intent of reclaiming their land. They were known as the “British Band.” They successfully defended themselves at first, but a lack of food and peace eventually drove them to the Mississippi.

Significance:

• The Black Hawk War was a direct result of pushing Native Americans off their land. It gave future leaders military experience and provided an argument for further Indian Removal.