Black Hawk War (1832)

The Black Hawk War was the last Indian war fought in Wisconsin and Illinois between May and August 1832. The Sauk warrior Black Hawk led the Indian forces while Brigadier General Henry Atkinson commanded the US forces (which consisted mostly of militia volunteers). The war could have been avoided because Black Hawk did not intend to initiate a conflict. However, the lack of discipline exhibited by the militia brought about an escalation. Throughout the war, Black Hawk's forces were generally outnumbered by the militia and US Army regulars, and this proved decisive. Keywords: nineteenth century; americas; native american; war