Would you consider a person who fought for the good of the people but didn’t win the war a ‘hero’? What characteristics or traits sway your decision one way or the other? Although, I believe each of us decides who and why we consider someone a hero, it maddens me to read about the evils of individuals throughout or history titled as ‘hero’s’ when they had no humanity towards others.
Zinn for example mentions that Jackson “became a hero of the War of 1812”. But the comment right before this describes Jackson as “a land speculator, merchant, slave trader, and the most aggressive enemy of the Indians in early American history” (p. 98). Another comment of Jackson states he was a national hero in a battle in 1814, because he killed so many Creeks with few casualties. However, this battle was won because of Cherokees support (p. 99). What about Tecumseh, why is he not mentioned as a ‘hero’? All Zinn states is, “Tecumseh, a Shawnee chief and noted orator, tried to united the Indians against the white invasion” (p.98). Zinns choice of words “tried” even makes it appear as though Tecumseh was unsuccessful in his attempt, but this is far from the truth.
Let me share a bit about Tecumseh he was an Indian warrior who played a major role in the fight to protect Indian lands. He was known as a visionary, military expert, loved and respected even by his enemy and remembered as one of the greatest Indian leaders. He was born during 1768 the same year as the important treaty of Fort Stanwix between the North American Indians and British Empire for land. Land issues would continue to shape his entire life right up until his death where he was in a battle to protect the lands of his people during the War of 1812.
As a leader Tecumseh was known for bringing out the best in people and possessed a natural ability to bring people of tribal differences and language together to unite as one. He stayed true to his convictions and did not take part nor sign the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, which ceased land occupied by Indians to the United Stated.
Tecumseh would later assist the British commander Sir Issac Brock during the Battle of Detroit which is known as one of the most embarrassing attacks on the US. Tecumseh knew they were outnumbered and he tricked the Americans into thinking they had a larger army by having his warriors running by in a repeating circle. Detroit surrendered without a shot fired. Sir Issac Brock was a supporter of the Indians and even stated that Tecumseh was the “greatest military leader of all times” (PBS, We Shall Remain: Tecumseh’s Vision). Unfortunately, Brock was killed in a battle and the new general was only interested in protecting Canada and withdrew its troops. Tecumseh responded to this by continuing the battle of Indian land during the War of 1812 where he was killed and mutilated beyond recognition by the Americans.
These are just brief examples of Tecumseh’s life and upon further study, I’m sure you’d agree that Tecumseh lived a life of honor and purpose with concern for all American Indians. A ‘hero’ indeed!
Sources:
Zinn, Howard. A People’s History of the United States. New York: The New Press, 2003
Hi Kristie this is Kathryn. I wanted to let you know I love your blog. I feel a hero can be someone that has fought for the good of people but did not win. I feel that Andrew Jackson was this person who abused many of the Indians just to conquer land. I think that many blacks were hero's back then. They took on so much abuse but still fought for their rights. They eventually did win but during this time period they pushed and pushed to become free. Today we even have many hero's who have fought for something but have not won. For example there are many people out there that are fighting for gay and lesbian rights to be able to marry. I think everyone is a hero whether they win or not. Thanks for your information on Tecumseh and his vision.
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