Battle of Thames

October 5th, 1813

On October 5th, 1813, the United States was embroiled in a war with Britain. It was the War of 1812. The Battle of Thames was a decisive victory for the United States. General William Harrison's force defeated a combined British and India force. The significance of this victory was the death of Tecumseh, who was killed during battle. Tecumseh was an Indian leader. He fought against the United States in the Revolution and in the War of 1812. Early on, he witnessed the destruction and injustice inflicted on Indians by White settlers. He was a great leader and often united the Indian tribes to attack Western establishment. His death and the death of the majority of his force was a huge blow to the Indian and British offensive. The result of the battle was that the United States gained control of the Ohio River valley and western United States. It was a key victory for the United States.

I am ambivalent on this issue because it is difficult to feel patriotic about the Indian situation. Tecumseh was fighting for his people and his land and the White settlers slowly took it from him and his people. His death was a good thing for the American struggle, but it was not a good thing. Tecumseh was an integral figure in the resistance to White settlers expansion. His death was one of many factors that led to the eventual take over of Indian lands. Soon after his death, many of the depleted Indian tribes were forced west.