Review by Choice Review
Jung (Milwaukee School of Engineering) relates the events leading up to and the course of the Black Hawk War, a consequence of the Sauk and Fox Treaty of 1804 and the subsequent intrusion on Sauk and Fox lands by Euro-American settlers. The author pays special attention to the way both sides conducted the war. He demonstrates that Black Hawk's uprising stood little chance of success because of intratribal frictions within the Sauk and Fox tribes and the opposition of certain neighboring tribes who assisted the US Army. Jung is critical of Brigadier General Henry Atkinson and Illinois governor John Reynolds for their roles in escalating the conflict. Despite conducting several highly successful operations, Black Hawk was unable to win the war. At the Battle of Bad Axe (August 2, 1832), his followers were routed. The war was more violent than necessary because of the presence of undisciplined militia forces. This well-researched, informative book is an indispensable companion to Black Hawk's 1833 autobiography, which is still in print. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. M. J. Van de Logt Indiana University Bloomington
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
