“A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires others with confidence in themselves” (unknown). Black Hawk’s actions throughout his life time proved his ability to be a great leader. He involved himself in many great feats that would attract many followers to him for instance, becoming a warrior at the early age of fifteen and beyond that being successful in heading up many other attack expeditions at a very young age. Playing a large role in two major wars also helped Black Hawk to become a leader.
Black Hawk was born in 1767 near what is nowadays referred to as Rock Island Illinois; he was born into the Sauk tribe which originated in many parts of the Midwest including areas in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. At the young age of fifteen he was given the title of warrior after wounding an enemy; shortly after being promoted to these ranks Black Hawk was sent out on war excursions became successful. It was not long after Black Hawk even earned the title, he was now in the position of heading up the parties to attack the enemies, which as well he became successful; these war parties would send out only a few men to attack many with suffering only little casualties. In 1804 the Sauk chiefs ceded all of their land east of the Mississippi river to the American government for an agreed upon $1,000 annuity which Black Hawk and many others did not like very much. They tried to get their land back by making arguments that the chiefs were drunk at the time of the deal, this upset Black Hawk and he refused to leave. By time the War of 1812 Black Hawk had many encounters with the American government were they had been deceived. Black Hawk quickly joined the British in the war, but not as successful as his previous war parties had been Black Hawk became discouraged, but on the contrary remained a very good leader through the battles that were more of a challenge then what he had