1789-1800, pt. 2-B

This lecture focuses on the Northwest Indian War during George Washington's presidency.

Timeline: The war lasted from 1785 to 1795.
Geographical Context:
- The war involved the Northwest Territory which includes present-day Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.
- The area is characterized as being around the Great Lakes and the Ohio River Valley.

French and Indian War: This region previously saw conflicts during the French and Indian War, leading to British control.
Treaty of Paris 1783: After the American Revolution, this treaty ceded control of the Northwest Territory to the United States.
Indian Perspective: Native Americans opposed rule by the French, British, or Americans and sought to maintain independence from these powers.
- Area Size: The Northwest Territory is approximately 300,000 square miles.

Formation of the Northwest Indian Confederation:
  - Established by Native Americans in 1785 to resist U.S. expansion.
  - Leaders:
    - Blue Jacket (Shawnee tribe, influential in the Great Lakes region).
    - Little Turtle (Miami tribe, active in the Indiana area).

The Confederation declares the Ohio River as the border, warning U.S. settlers against crossing it.
Between 1786 and 1789, Native American raids occur in Kentucky, resulting in 1,100 deaths and brutal tactics including scalping.

Observing the resistance, George Washington feels compelled to assert U.S. control over the Northwest Territory.

Punitive Expedition: Washington orders a military response, called a punitive expedition, led by General Josiah Harmar.
- Harmar's issues: He faced challenges due to being an alcoholic.
Troop Details: Harmar leads 1,450 men, including army and militia, from Fort Washington (modern-day Cincinnati) into Indiana targeting the Miami capital near the Maumee River.
- The expedition begins in October 1790.
Campaign Challenges:
- Indicated that the Native Americans appear to avoid fighting, which is a tactical ambush strategy.
Ambush: On October 19, Native Americans attack Harmar's troops in an ambush, leading to significant U.S. casualties (total of 260 killed).
Outcome: This failed attack is referred to as Harmar's Defeat.

Following Harmar's defeat, Washington appoints General Arthur Saint Clair to lead a new campaign.
- Troop Count: He starts with 2,100 men but their progress is slow (90 miles in a month), dwindling to 1,100 men due to desertion and fear.
Preparation for Attack: On November 3, 1791, they camp at Fort Recovery.
- Surprise Attack: On the morning of November 4, Native Americans, led by Blue Jacket and Little Turtle, perform a coordinated attack.
Battle of Fort Recovery: Significant U.S. loss occurs, resulting in 630 U.S. soldiers and 200 camp followers killed (many are mutilated).
- This event is termed Saint Clair's Massacre, representing the worst defeat of U.S. forces against Native Americans.

Following the defeat, Washington dismisses Saint Clair and appoints Anthony Wayne.
- Wayne is tasked with revitalizing U.S. forces and understanding Native American combat strategies.
Creation of the Legion of the United States: Established around 1793, including artillery, cavalry, infantry, and skilled riflemen.
- Composition: The legion has a total strength of 5,000 men divided into four sub-legions.

Geographical Strategy: Wayne operates out of Fort Recovery, with the purpose of reclaiming lost territories.
Fort Miami's Role: The British maintain Fort Miami and support for the Native Americans.
Ambush at Fallen Timbers: On August 20, 1794, Native Americans attack Wayne’s forces but are met with unexpected resistance.
- Outcome: Wayne's troops execute a successful bayonet charge, leading to a decisive U.S. victory with 40 U.S. and 60 Native American casualties.
Aftermath: The British refuse to shelter fleeing Native Americans, resulting in a breakdown of their alliance.

Loss for Native Americans: Following the battle, the Treaty of Greenville is signed in 1795, where Indians lose two-thirds of Ohio and additional territories like Detroit and Chicago.
- Compensation: Native Americans receive $20,000 as part of the treaty but suffer significant territorial losses.
Future Hostilities: While the immediate conflicts have subsided, Native American resistance continues in subsequent years, setting the stage for further conflicts.

The lecture concludes the discussions regarding the Northwest Indian War, setting the groundwork for future topics related to U.S. expansion and Native American relations in subsequent lectures.