The Indians, the British, and the Americans in the Northwest Territory: 1775-1812

Abstract

This project attempts to discuss the peculiar relationship between the Indians, the British, and the Americans in the Northwest Territory from 1775-1812. It indicates that frontier settlers were not motivated to fight Britain primarily because of maritime issues, as several historians have concluded. Rather, the territories of the Northwest were concerned with the Indian Menace, both real and psychological. The Indians, as imagined British mercenaries, posed a real threat to frontier families. I have attempted to prove this through newspaper accounts and official correspondence of the period. The evidence shows almost unanimous sentiment that the frontier should be rid of the Indians. Thus the War of 1812 was welcomed as an opportunity to rid the frontier of the Indians and their British allies.