Frontier: Legends of the Old Northwest
The Old Northwest, just past the Alleghenies, was the wild American frontier of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is here that colonists, later to become Americans, fought at various times, the English, the French and Native Americans. Here is where the legends of Daniel Boone, Robert Rogers, Pontiac and others were born and passed down through generations. This series creates a visual historical narrative of some of the most important people and important events in early American history. Frontiers: Legends of the Old Northwest would be useful for classes on American History, Native American History, Colonial History, Canadian History, Civics, and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Pontiac's Rebellion
Leading a confederacy composed of different Native American tribes from the Northeast to the Northwest, the great warrior Pontiac posed one of the greatest threats to English sovereignty and control in the Old Northwest. His mighty rebellion wreaked havoc in British forts before it was finally put down, but Pontiac was ultimately considered a disgrace to his own name and was murdered in cold blood.
Discussion Questions
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What was the purpose of Pontiac's confederacy?
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Native Americans wore war paint when the engaged in battle. What was the purpose of this war paint? How is it a cultural practice? What are some of the practices of your culture?
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How did fur traders alter the Native American way of life in the 17th and 18th centuries?
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The French and the British both had relationships with the Native Americans. Discuss some of the differences in the relations between the Native Americans and the French, and the Native Americans and the British.
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What military tactics did Pontiac learn in the French and Indian War? How did he use those tactics in his rebellion?
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Discuss the role of Indian agents.
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How did Pontiac gain access to Fort Detroit?
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Why was the taking of Fort Detroit so important to Pontiac?
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Why did Pontiac's first attempts to takeover the fort fail?
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How did Pontiac finally gain the fort?
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How did “Bloody Run” get its name?
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How was the rebellion finally put down?
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How and why was Pontiac murdered?
Extended Activities
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On a map of the United States, indicate the origins of the tribes who were members of Pontiac's confederacy.
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On a map of the United States, find the locations of the forts involved in Pontiac's Rebellion. What are the present day sites? Do these forts still exist?
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