St. Clair’s Campaign: The Path to Catastrophe, 1791

The transcript details the events leading up to and during General Arthur Sinclair's campaign against the Northwestern Confederacy in the United States Northwest Territory. Despite initial setbacks, including a lack of reinforcements and supplies, Sinclair presses on with his campaign. The army faces numerous challenges, such as harsh weather, desertion, and supply shortages. Meanwhile, the Northwestern Confederacy, led by Little Turtle, prepares to confront Sinclair's forces. The transcript highlights the strategic decisions made by Sinclair and the Confederacy's response, culminating in an impending battle.

What was General Arthur Sinclair's mission in the Northwest Territory?

• To negotiate peace with the Native American tribes

• To explore new trade routes

• To lead a second attack against the Northwestern Confederacy

• To establish new settlements for US settlers

What was a major challenge faced by Sinclair's army during their advance?

• Inadequate leadership

• Hostile weather conditions

• Shortage of axes and saws

• Lack of experienced soldiers

Why did Sinclair decide to construct Fort Jefferson?

• To train new recruits

• To secure the supply route

• To negotiate with the tribes

• To serve as a permanent settlement

What was the impact of the weather on Sinclair's army?

• It caused the army to advance faster

• It had no significant impact

• It led to a halt in their progress

• It improved their morale

What was the Northwestern Confederacy's strategy in response to Sinclair's expedition?

• To retreat and avoid confrontation

• To challenge the US Army head-on in battle

• To negotiate a peace treaty

• To form an alliance with other tribes

Why did Sinclair send Major Hamtramck and 300 men to find the supply convoy?

• To establish a new fort

• To scout the area for enemy forces

• To attack the Northwestern Confederacy

• To prevent deserters from hijacking it

What was a significant risk in Sinclair's camp setup?

• The camp was too close to the river

• The militia companies were separated from the main camp

• The camp was not fortified

• The camp was too large to manage