trevor+C.


 * What is your //general// belief about who or what is most responsible for causing the conflict?**

I beilive that the Whitmans were most responsible for the Whitman Massacre. They had to bother the indians instead of just leaving them alone. If they just left the indians in peace instead of bothering them by trying to change there religion the massacre might not have ever happened. On top of that they gave the indians small pox and measles. They should have been more cautious on the matter that indians could be harmed from these diseases. I think it is good that americans were pioneering to the west, but i do not think it is great that they lived even close to the indians.

**What is the relevant background information (i.e. who, what, when, where)?**

On November 29, 1847, Cayuse tribal members attacked white settlers and missionaries at the Whitman mission in Waiilatpu. Thes following events are what happened that day that is called the "Whitman Massacre." Tilaukait and Tamsuky of the Cayuse called Whitman into his kitchen and killed him with a tomahawk. The indians then went on a killing spree and killed 13 more (one to be believed to have drowned in the river). Narcissa Whitman and others went to the second floor and hid. They later surrendered being assured that they would be safe. The Cayuse warriors then starting attacking again and killed Narcissa Whitman. Those who did not escape were taken hostage with the indians. They were ransacked of all guns, ammo, and clothing.

**What were 3 factors that helped cause the conflict (politics, economics, geography, history)?**

Three important details that helped cause the massacre are the following. Firstly, the Whitmans tried to convert all the indians to christiananity. I beilive that that is a very selfish thing to do, the Whitmans should have left the indians culture alone because it was just fine before. How would you feel if someone forced you to learn a new religion if you already had a different one your whole life? Next, the Whitmans took a lot of land from the indians. The Whitmans first traveled to Oregon country in 1835. Soon after he brought back many pioneers and this angered the indians. Lastly, the Whitman massacre was caused by the spread of diseases by the white people. Some of these diseases were the small pox and measles. These were not as terrible for the whites because there immune systums can fight the diseases better. But for the indians they had never seen these diseases before therefore they got more sick than the whites.

**Explain why one factor is more important than the others.**

I think the most important factor in the conflict is the Whitmans teaching the indians about Christiananity. I beilieve that everyone has the right to believe in whatever they want. Making someone believe in something they dont want to is one of the worst offences i can think of. The indians have been using there culture for hundreds of years and shouldnt have to change it just because the Whitmans want them to

**How could the conflict have been avoided?**

The conflict could have been avoided if the whites left the indians alone. Instead of trying to convert them to an unknown religion they could have left them alone in peace. It also could have been avoided if the whites and indians made no physical contact the spread of diseases would hvae halted and the indians would be less mad at the whites. If they made contact the whites could have been more friendly.


 * What sources of information have you used? **

Wilma, David. "Cayuse attack mission in what becomes known as the Whitman Massacre on November 29,1847." March 5, 2009. __Historylink.org__ Accessed May 10, 2009. []

Lambert, Dale A. & Clark. Washington: A State of Contrast. East Wenatchee WA: DMI, 2008 page 200-201

Gibson, Elizibeth. "The Whitman Massacre." Accessed May, 20 2009. <www.suite101.com/article.cfm/article.ole.west/9292813