JOURNAL ARTICLE

Independence for Some at the Cost of Independence for Others.

  • Published In: Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 2026, v. 119, n. 1. P. 108 1 of 3

  • Database: America: History and Life with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Wiant, Michael D. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson’s policies toward Indigenous Nations in the context of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It details Jefferson’s strategies, including promoting Native American assimilation, encouraging debt to force land cessions, and supporting removal west of the Mississippi River, as implemented by William Henry Harrison in the Illinois Territory. The text also outlines the historical presence and alliances of various Indigenous Nations in the Illinois Country and the series of treaties from 1803 to 1833 that resulted in significant land loss for these tribes. The anniversary is presented as a moment to reflect on both the historical injustices faced by Native Americans and their ongoing resilience in preserving cultural identity and sovereignty. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 2026/03, Vol. 119, Issue 1, p108
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1522-1067
  • DOI:10.5406/23283335.119.1.29
  • Accession Number:192456732
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society is the property of Illinois State Historical Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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