Chief Tecumseh's Speech Analysis

While some believe that the United States gave the Pueblos land by granting them treaties, many believe that it was unfair for the government to make treaties since they were the ones to instigate the invasion of Pueblo territory. The Pueblo Tribe is located at the heart of Southwestern part of the United States, known mostly for their agriculture and innovative multi-storied homes. From the beginning of their emergence, the Pueblos have depended on hunting and farming as a way to gain sustenance, meaning that land was valuable for them to support themselves. However, their peaceful lives came to an abrupt end when the Spanish claimed the Pueblo Region in 1539. With no remorse, the Spanish dominated the Pueblo land and “ in 1540, quickly and

brutally pacifying all indigenous resistance” (Pueblo Indians). When the Spanish took control of the Pueblos, massive bloodshed followed, leaving the Pueblos vulnerable and helpless to more attacks. Furthermore, the loss of land to the Spanish meant that it became very difficult for the Pueblos to collect food and water, leaving many Pueblos homeless and hungry. In addition, with Spanish colonization came the forceful implementation of Spanish lifestyle and beliefs. The Spanish forced Christianity upon the Pueblos, leading them to “ adapt to colonial rule through syncretism” ( Pueblo Indians Culture). The forceful practice of Christianity meant that the Pueblos had to stray away from their own culture and beliefs. They had no choice but to follow this system or else they would get punished. Every aspect of Pueblo life became governed by the Spanish; the Pueblos had very little freedom to do what they wanted. As a result of the constant abuse, “ in 1680, the Pueblo Revolt led by Pope allowed for Pueblo resistance for more than a decade, ending in 1691” ( Pueblo Indians). This revolt signified the hardships the Pueblos went through for almost a century and a half. They had to fight wars and lose members just to try and gain back control of their lives and their lands. However even today, the Pueblos still face major problems. The effects of climate change and global warming has caused “ limited resources and poor economic conditions” (Unique Challenges). The Pueblos have received no assistance from the United States, who in fact put the Pueblos in the position they are in now. In fact, climate change has caused “ a decline to grown corn, wildfires affecting wildlife, and the erosion of sand dunes” (Unique Challenges). Many families are left with no food to eat because there is not enough livestock and crops for them to eat. The erosion of sand dunes has displaced many families and has destroyed habitats of native plants and land. Additionally, with the destruction of their lands, many future families will have nowhere to go in their already limited space. As a result of these conditions, poverty has become, “heavily prevalent in Native populations as almost a quarter of them live in poverty, almost double the U.S. population” (Unique Challenges). The Pueblos, being that they receive no aid from the government in their tough situation, have nowhere to turn to for help. For centuries, they have been constantly ignored. Even with the poverty and starvation, the government still has not decided to do anything. On the bright side, groups such as Pueblo of Jimenez have started a, “utility-scale solar project to help bring resources to tribes in the Southwest” (Unique Challenges). In spite of minimal government support, there are still groups like the Pueblo of Jimenez who try to assist the Pueblos. They give the Pueblos resources the they are lacking; such as food, air, and shelter. This will at least help the Pueblos to stand and get back on their feet. Today, about 75,000 Pueblos proudly stand strong in hopes to bring attention and to preserve their life and culture.
Chiefs’ Speeches
In Chief Tecumseh’s Address to General William Henry Williamson, Tecumseh uses hyperboles and exaggerations to bring attention the greed of the “white man,” while in Chief Seattle’s A Letter to President Pierce, Seattle uses casual relationship to show how the actions of the Americans will also harm the Americans in the end.

In Tecumseh’s speech, he calls the General to recognize the “white man’s” excessive greed for land. Tecumseh, showing how outrageous to the General the issue of land is, states, “ Sell a country?! Why not sell the air, the sea, as well as the earth? Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children” (L.30-31). By using hyperboles to exaggerate the situation, Tecumseh brings forth ignorance of the General and the “white man” towards taking Native land. In the 19th century, the government and the “white man” thought it was okay for them to just encroach on Native land with no consequences. However, by pointing out the obvious objects in nature such as the air and sea, Tecumseh describes the extent to how much the white man wants to take everything, even when it is not necessary. Further, Tecumseh hopes to instill thought into the white man, especially the General, to rethink further actions in taking Native land. On the other hand, Chief Seattle uses casual relationship to get his message across to the President. Describing the effects of the white man’s actions, Seattle states, “The whites, too shall pass- perhaps sooner than the tribes. Continue to contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste” (L.35). By using casual relationship, Seattle is able describe and show the effects to “whites”that by abusing the environment and the resources, the white man is also harming his own land. Land was a major asset for the government in the mid-1850s, as it allowed the country to grow, meaning that their will be more to gain money from. Many of the audience thought that taking and abusing the land was the only

to be able to earn money. So, by telling the white man that the land is being destroyed and quickly put to waste, and Seattle wants the white man to think of the consequences their actions will do in the future. Furthermore, Seattle suggests that because of the lack of thought for the future, the white man will run out of their own resources.