During late 17th century various wars were carried out in Northwest Territory of America when Americans were expanding into Ohio River valley. Such wars destroyed the peace of Native Americans and brought death, deceases and bitterness in the life of people. An alliance of various tribal groups including Shawnee, Mingo, Canadian Iroquois, Wyandot, Kickapoo, Ottawa, and Chickamauga etc. decided to fight against American expansion.
Tecumseh who belonged to Shawnee also joins the alliance and fought against William Henry Harrison first time in year 1794. He refused to accept any kind of negotiation and traveled extensively to form an alliance of north and south nations. Tecumseh was brave, foresighted his and merciful. On the other hand Tenskwatawa, who also belongs to Shawnee, was depraved and drunken during his early days. Tenskwatawa noticed a transformation in his behavior and decided to stop white Americans in realizing their goals. He asked Indians not to consume alcohol of white traders and appealed them to refuse whit civilizations. Tenskwatawa asked people live life without fear and serve others.
Both Tecumseh and Tenskwatawa were focused on saving life of Indians and to protect their territories. In early 1800s both leaders relocated their Indian village on the coast of Tippecanoe River in northwestern Indiana. William Henry Harrison who was governor of these areas was watching all activities closely. He performed various negotiations with local tribes and purchased their lands. This intensifies the anger of both brothers. However when, Tecumseh was away from village to form alliances, Henry attacked on the village and destroyed it. Several wars took place but Tecumseh never gives up. He fought bravely to protect his people till the end of his life on October 5, 1813. Both brothers fought till the end of their life to protect their land and people.
Works Cited
Cave, Alfred A. "The Shawnee Prophet, Tecumseh, and Tippecanoe: A Case Study of Historical Myth-Making." Journal of the Early Republic, 2002: 637-674.
Willig, Timothy D. "Prophetstown on the Wabash: The Native Spiritual Defense of the Old Northwest." Michigan Historical Review, 1997: 115-158.
