Continuing my research I decided to look into the major battles in the Black Hawk War. So the source that I decided to use is Black Hawk’s firsthand account on what happened during the Battle of Bad Axe also known as Massacre of Bad Axe. This was a battle between Suak Native Americans and the United States Army regulars and militia, which occurred on the 1st and 2nd of August in 1832. The battle took place near present day Victory, Wisconsin.

The author of this source is unknown. However, you do know that they’re likely to be a credible source because most of the authors on this website either have a PhD in history or they have  extensive knowledge of it. This source is almost word for word of Black Hawk’s account of the battle, with little words added in by the author to allow readers to gain a better understanding of the content. This source is meant for readers who are interest in the Black Hawk War, so generally they will live in Wisconsin. The purpose of this peace is to give Black Hawk’s account of the massacre that occurred.

In “The Massacre At Bad Axe: Black Hawk’s Account”, Black Hawk, informs American people (specifically the army) on his account of what happened on the 1st and 2nd of August in 1832. Black Hawk starts by saying he saw an American ship on the Mississippi river and that he wanted to give himself up, allowing his people to cross the river safely. Shortly after he continues and says the Americans wrongfully fired upon him and his people, so they fired back. Then he said that he retreated with a small group of his people and had the rest of his people cross the river once the ship was gone.The next day he got news that the people crossing the river were slaughtered for no reason, regardless of age or sex. He then explains the way he turned himself in to end the fighting.

I believe that this source gives me good insight onto what Black Hawk was thinking during a major battle of the war. I believe that most of Black Hawk’s group was killed wrongfully and out of spite. However, I do have some doubts upon the credibility of his entire story because I can’t imagine Americans shooting at Native Americans who are surrendering. This source helped expand my knowledge on Black Hawk’s personality. This source allows me to further understand how Black Hawk thinks during major battles. The source doesn’t contain what General Atkinson was thinking during the battle, so I need to research into his account next. This source helps me understand my question more because I have an idea why Native Americans might have seen violence as a socially acceptable means of action. To further my research I need to look into what Americans at the time thought of Native Americans and why violence was socially acceptable back in that time period. From all of my sources I’m gaining a better understanding of my research question, but I still have a long way to go and I’ve yet to come across any more questions.

Work Cited

“Teachers.” Massacre at Bad Axe Lesson Plans from the Wisconsin Historical Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2013.