Getting into War

For Europeans, the Seven Years’ War, American Revolution, and War of 1812 were separate events. For Native Americans, they were all part of the same struggle to defend their homelands. When Britain and the United States went to war in 1812, many Native Americans seized the opportunity to ally themselves with Britain. In return, they hoped that British weapons, munitions, artillery, and regular troops would give them the means to halt American colonization of the west.

Tenskwatawa

Ten-squat-a-Way, The Open Door, Known as the Prophet, Brother of Tecumseh

Painted by George Catlin in 1830
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison Jr.,
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.,
1985.66.279

The Coalition

Homelands of Native Americans involved in the War of 1812

CWM

Tecumseh

Tecumseh

Sketched by Gertrude Kearns in 2008
CWM 20120064-002

1814 Chief’s Medal

1814 Chief’s Medal

Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19750149-001