User:IvoShandor/Battle of Bad Axe

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[edit] Cause

While the most obvious cause of the clash at Bad Axe was that it was part of a broader war, underlying questions remain about why the fight played out with such ferocity and lack of mercy toward the Native Americans.^[1] In examining Wakefield's account, mixed emotions are revealed through his sympathy about the deaths of Sauk and Fox non-combatants.^[2] Wakefield's sympathies are still tinged with the racism and desire for revenge that were typically harbored viewpoints of militia members.^[2] Many settlers felt even less sympathetic, a variety of factors had contributed to the feeling that Black Hawk, including all who followed him, deserved death.^[2] Military failures, crop and property losses, and a growing fear of attacks by Native Americans all contributed to the hatred felt by many whites.^[2]

Dehumanization also helped to make the slaughter of natives, women and children included, palatable, and justifiable.^[3] Varying accounts of the massacre show both the inhuman nature and wanton cruelty toward the Native Americans as well as, though rare, magnanimous behavior by white troops.^[3][4]

[edit] Notes