Tecumseh

Not long after the Revolutionary War, competition over North American lands strengthened, leading to multiple wars and battles. Leading a Native American alliance, Tecumseh, a Shawnee war chieftain, tried to unite all of the Native American tribes against the every-encroaching powers of the white civilization.

Led by visions and awakenings, Tecumseh would try to persuade his peers by foretelling disasters and predicting success. With the help of his brother, The Prophet, Tecumseh became a strong obstacle standing between America and expansion.
Determined to progress, American colonists fought against Tecumseh’s armies, slowly weakening his alliance. Viewing the Native American lands as room to grow, they did not understand the sacred importance they represented for the Native Americans.

Constantly facing his rival, Governor William Henry Harrison, Tecumseh was determined to defeat his opposition and protect his lands and livelihood. Tecumseh’s efforts only prolonged American victory and conquest, however. Finally meeting his end, Tecumseh was slain by Harrison in a substantial battle that marked the beginning of Native American decline.

After losing their strong, inspirational leader and left with his unsuccessful and defeated brother, the tribes began to separate and weaken the bonds of alliance. Without unity, the Native Americans were overwhelmed by the power of the Americans and were eventually defeated.