Chief Seattle Analysis

Significant Native American people such as Chief Tecumseh and Chief Seattle, have fought to strengthen their tribal identity. During the period of the removal act of 1830, westward expansion was widespread, leading to the removal of thousands of Native Americans. Chief seattle and Chief Tecumseh both vocalize the struggles of their tribes, as well as attempt to persuade their audience that their tribes have faced negligence from the US government. Chief Tecumseh attempts to appeal to the audience by bringing attention to the damaged relationship between both Native Americans, and the white american government. Tecumseh states, “If you will not give up the land and do cross the boundary of our present settlement, it will be very hard and produce
Chief Seattle states that, “My words are like the stars that never change. Whatever Seattle says, the great chief at Washington can rely upon with as much certainty as he can upon the return of the sun or the seasons. The white chief says that Big Chief at Washington sends us greetings of friendship and goodwill. This is kind of him for we know he has little need of our friendship in return. His people are many. They are like the grass that covers vast prairies. My people are few.” to appeal to his audience. Chief seattle uses similes and pathos to appeal to his audience by using emotional connections. Chief seattle emphasizes that regardless of his actions and what he has said, Seattle is irrelevant and looked down by his audience. Despite the audience supporting US expansion and gaining territory, Seattle attempts to provoke emotion and guilt from his audience. In conclusion, Chief seattle and Tecumseh attempt to appeal to the US expansion supporters and government, as an attempt to hopefully prevent further expansion. Furthermore both speeches additionally desire to make the audience question the true nature of the relationship between the Native