What was Chief Joseph’s speech about?
PLOT SUMMARY. In his surrender speech, “I Will Fight No More Forever,” Chief Joseph confesses his own exhaustion and offers a list of the hardships that have befallen his people while attempting to escape the U.S. army.
What is Chief Joseph lamenting?
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce peoples surrenders to U.S. General Nelson A. Miles in the Bear Paw mountains of Montana, declaring, “Hear me, my chiefs: My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”
What does Chief Joseph want?
Chief Joseph knew his small tribe of 800 people and 200 warriors were no match for the United States army. In order to save his people he began a retreat. He hoped to make it to Canada where he would meet up with the Sioux tribe of Sitting Bull.
What was Chief Joseph trying to tell Congress?
When Chief Joseph gave that speech to Congress, he was saying how all men are equal. Every man looks different but are made by the same “Great Spirit Chief” (God) and deserve the same rights as everyone else.
What was the famous quote of Chief Joseph said as he surrendered?
“Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” On October 5, 1877, Chief Joseph spoke these words during his surrender in the Bear Paw Mountains of Montana.
What did Chief Joseph fight for?
In 1873, Chief Joseph negotiated with the federal government to ensure that his people could stay on their land in the Wallowa Valley as stipulated in 1855 and 1863 land treaties with the U.S. government.
Why is Chief Joseph important to American history?
Chief Joseph was a Nez Perce leader who led his tribe called the Wallowa band of Nez Perce through a treacherous time in United States history. These indigenous people were natives to the Wallowa Valley in Oregon. Chief Joseph was a powerful advocate for his people’s rights to remain on their homeland.
What were Chief Joseph’s accomplishments?
He’d been one of the early Nez Perce leaders to convert to Christianity, and his influence had gone a long way toward establishing peace with his white neighbors. In 1855, he forged a new treaty that created a new reservation for the Nez Perce.
Why does Chief Joseph surrender?
Unable to fight any longer, Chief Joseph surrendered to the Army with the understanding that he and his people would be allowed to return to the reservation in western Idaho.
Why is Chief Joseph a hero?
Chief Joseph lived among the Nez Perce tribe. They resided in what is now Northeastern Oregon and Southeastern Washington. This Nez Perce chief still is a hero today because of his resiliency in fighting for what he knew was right. He was able to capture the hearts of his followers and of many Americans.
How did Chief Joseph fight for human rights?
Chief Joseph tried to negotiate for the rights of his tribe. But the army threatened to attack. Joseph and his people finally agreed to leave and headed for the reservation. When some young warriors got angry and killed several white settlers, the army attacked Chief Joseph and his tribe.