The Nez Perce last stand | Chief Joseph (Part 1)

Summary

This video recounts the story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe during a turbulent period in the 19th century. Following the death of his father, Chief Joseph vowed to protect their ancestral land amid increasing encroachment by settlers and government treaties. Despite initial agreements, tensions escalated after gold was discovered on their land. After a series of conflicts, including a failed treaty negotiation, Joseph and his people faced military action from the U.S. Army, leading to a significant battle at White Bird Canyon. This summary highlights the resilience and struggles of the Nez Perce in their fight for their homeland.

Takeaways

• 👴 Chief Joseph was appointed by his father to protect their land as the next chief of the Nez Perce tribe.
• 📜 In 1855, the Nez Perce signed a treaty with U.S. officials to preserve their land against American encroachment.
• ⚖️ The 1863 treaty drastically reduced the Nez Perce reservation, despite protests from many tribal leaders.
• 🚫 Chief Joseph refused to sign the 1863 treaty, which led to disputes over land ownership and legality.
• 🪨 Following old Chief Joseph's death in 1871, tensions rose as settlers began claiming Nez Perce lands.
• 🛡️ In 1873, President Grant recognized the Wallowa Valley as a reservation for the Nez Perce, but conflicts continued.
• ⚔️ A violent confrontation in 1876 over a murder led to a trial that acquitted the settlers involved, further angering the Nez Perce.
• 🚶‍♂️ In 1877, the U.S. government ordered the Nez Perce to relocate, which Chief Joseph initially resisted.
• 🏞️ Chief Joseph sought a peaceful resolution, leading his people to Idaho for negotiations amidst growing hostilities.
• 💥 The battle at White Bird Canyon showcased the Nez Perce's military prowess, resulting in significant U.S. Army casualties.

Q & A

Who was Chief Joseph and what role did he play in the Nez Perce tribe?

Chief Joseph, originally named Joseph, became the leader of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe after the death of his father. He is known for his efforts to protect his people's land and rights during the conflicts with American settlers and the U.S. government.

What event led to the Nez Perce signing a treaty in 1855?

The treaty in 1855 was prompted by a council called by Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens, who convinced the region's tribes that signing a reservation treaty was the best way to preserve their homeland from American encroachment.

What happened after gold was discovered on the Nez Perce reservation?

Following the discovery of gold in the 1860s, miners flooded the area, leading to the U.S. government proposing a new treaty in 1863 that aimed to drastically reduce the size of the reservation, which was met with resistance from many tribal leaders.

Why did Chief Joseph refuse to sign the 1863 treaty?

Chief Joseph refused to sign the 1863 treaty because he believed it was unfair and would lead to further loss of land and rights for the Nez Perce people, a decision that left ownership issues unresolved.

What were the consequences of old Chief Joseph's death in 1871?

After the death of old Chief Joseph in 1871, tensions escalated as settlers encroached on the Wallowa Valley, leading his son, young Joseph, to take a stand against the invasion of their land.

How did President Grant respond to the land disputes involving the Nez Perce?

President Grant responded by formally setting aside the Wallowa Valley as a reservation for the Nez Perce and ordering settlers to withdraw, though enforcement of this order was complicated.

What incident escalated violence between the Nez Perce and settlers in 1876?

Violence escalated in 1876 when two settlers killed a Nez Perce man over a mistaken accusation of horse theft, leading to demands for justice from the Nez Perce tribe.

What ultimatum did General Howard give to Chief Joseph in 1877?

General Howard issued an ultimatum demanding that Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce vacate their lands within 30 days, threatening military action if they refused.

What was the outcome of the Battle of White Bird Canyon?

During the Battle of White Bird Canyon, the Nez Perce successfully defended their camp against U.S. Army forces, resulting in significant casualties for the Army and only minor injuries for the Nez Perce.

What were General Howard's concerns following the battle?

General Howard was concerned that the uprising might spread to other tribes, prompting him to call for troop reinforcements from across the West to suppress the Nez Perce resistance.