Essay On Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph was part of the tribe called the Nez Perce, which was a hierarchal religion (a religion which exercises authority). He was born in Wallowa Valley, on March 3, 1840. The esteemed chief was originally named Hin-mah-too-lat-kekt, which translates to Thunder Rolling Down a Mountain (“Chief Joseph Biography” A&E). He was baptized at the Lapwai Mission where he took the Christian name Joseph, after his father, Joseph The Elder (“Chief Joseph Biography” N.p). The Nez Perce were hunters and gatherers, until they settled down in 1855, when Joseph the Elder signed a treaty with the US government. Joseph the Elder died in 1871, and Joseph was appointed Chief. Their tribe called themselves the Nimipu, which means “The Real People” while the

There were two other leaders of the Nez Perce along with Chief Joseph: Looking Glass and White Bird, although the latter did not share Chief Joseph’s peaceful values. In 1863, while Joseph the Elder was still alive, a gold rush (combined with the United State’s new found colonialism) lead the US government to reduce the reservation to a small area in Idaho (“New Perspectives of the West). The United States then restricted 60 million acres of their Nez Perce reservation. Joseph the Elder castigated the US, burning the flag and the bible. Joseph the Elder refused to move from the reservation, and when he died, the conflict then became Chief Joseph’s. The Chief tried to maintain a nonviolent stance, and remain on the reservation. Despite all attempts from the three leaders, General Howard still forced the Nez Perce off the land, which is when Chief Joseph lead his people on an involuntary pilgrimage to Canada, to avoid the wrath of the United

Before Chief Joseph lead them on their journey, members of Looking Glass’ band killed several white settlers (“Chief Joseph Biography” N.P.). The Chief knew the American military was going to counter the attack, and found that violence was inevitable. It was after that realization when they fled. On their journey of about 700 people (about 400 warriors), they had partaken in many battles. The US press saw the Chief as the primary war leader, when the only thing he did was guard the women and children. With Chief Joseph’s younger brother as the war leader, the United States army was defeated in the opening battle of the Nez Perce War. In fact, Chief Joseph had many sporadic victories on their expedition. However, they had many grave losses, including the death of Looking Glass. With about 40 miles to go, the Nez Perce were tired, and were too fatigued to continue fighting. Chief Joseph surrendered on Oct 5, 1877, saying “Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will light no more forever.” (“The Surrender of