User:IvoShandor/Battle of Bad Axe

Cause

While the most obvious cause of the clash at Bad Axe was that it was part of a broader war, underlying questions remain about why the fight played out with such ferocity and lack of mercy toward the Native Americans. In examining Wakefield's account, mixed emotions are revealed through his sympathy about the deaths of Sauk and Fox non-combatants. Wakefield's sympathies are still tinged with the racism and desire for revenge that were typically harbored viewpoints of militia members. Many settlers felt even less sympathetic, a variety of factors had contributed to the feeling that Black Hawk, including all who followed him, deserved death. Military failures, crop and property losses, and a growing fear of attacks by Native Americans all contributed to the hatred felt by many whites.

Dehumanization also helped to make the slaughter of natives, women and children included, palatable, and justifiable. Varying accounts of the massacre show both the inhuman nature and wanton cruelty toward the Native Americans as well as, though rare, magnanimous behavior by white troops.