War of the Seven Nations (1856-1857)
The Great Plains War of Resistance & the Union’s Humiliating Defeat
Background: The Union’s Expansionist Ambitions
By the mid-19th century, the Union of American States had transformed into an aristocratic slave empire, ruled by the Planter Council and led by Thomas Green Clemson. With internal opposition crushed following the purges of John C. Calhoun’s rule, Clemson turned his attention outward to territorial expansion.
The Louisiana Compromise (1854), an agreement between Cascadia, Louisiana, and the United States of New England, had fixed the borders of these nations, ensuring that the Mississippi River, the 37th parallel, and the 109° 03′ west longitude line marked clear divisions between these three powers.
However, three countries were not signatories to this treaty:
- The Union of American States—which sought further expansion.
- Canada—which saw an opportunity to claim northern territories.
- The Empire of Australia—which had interests in countering the Union’s growing influence.
The Great Plains, home to various indigenous nations, were left outside of this treaty. In the eyes of the Union’s aristocracy, these lands were free for the taking.
1856: The Union’s Invasion & the Native Resistance
In early 1856, Clemson appointed General Albert Sidney Johnston to lead an invasion force into the Great Plains, believing that a quick war of conquest would secure new lands for plantations and further expansion westward.
Union Strategy:
- The Union believed that the indigenous tribes were too divided to resist a full-scale invasion.
- Clemson’s advisors predicted a short, decisive war, lasting no more than a few months.
- The Union deployed thousands of troops, expecting a quick and brutal campaign.
However, the invasion triggered an unprecedented response.
Sitting Bull and Red Cloud, two visionary war leaders, called for a pan-tribal alliance, uniting the indigenous nations of the Plains in a defensive war council.
The Sioux, Cheyenne, Comanche, Crow, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Pawnee nations banded together, forming the Seven Nations Alliance.
- The indigenous forces had superior knowledge of the terrain, allowing them to launch surprise attacks and disrupt Union supply lines.
- They refused to engage in direct European-style battles, instead using hit-and-run tactics to wear down the enemy.
- Union forces were unprepared for a prolonged campaign and quickly found themselves outmaneuvered and suffering heavy losses.
International Response & Escalation
Recognizing that Union expansion threatened the balance of power in North America, envoys from the Seven Nations were sent to Cascadia, Louisiana, New England, and Australia, seeking military assistance.
Each of these nations had reasons to intervene:
- Cascadia, with strong indigenous ties, was sympathetic to the resistance.
- Louisiana and New England had long opposed the Union’s expansionist policies and its continued involvement in the illegal slave trade.
- The Empire of Australia, having faced the Union in previous conflicts, saw the war as an opportunity to curb Union influence.
By mid-1856, troops from Cascadia, Louisiana, and New England had arrived, bolstering the indigenous resistance.
Meanwhile, Canada prepared to invade the northern territories, seeking to take advantage of the chaos. However, before Canada could act:
- The Empire of Australia, through its spy agency, 1151, intercepted intelligence of Canada’s plans.
- Australian diplomats intervened, preventing Canada from entering the war and keeping the conflict focused on defeating the Union’s invasion.
While the war would come to be called the War of the Seven Nations, Canada’s failure to join meant that only six nations actively fought against the Union.
1857: The Collapse of the Union War Effort
By early 1857, it became clear that Clemson’s forces were facing an unwinnable war.
- The Union’s supply lines were stretched thin, with raiding parties constantly attacking weapons depots and food stockpiles.
- Albert Sidney Johnston, despite his reputation, struggled against an enemy that refused traditional European battle tactics.
- The combined indigenous and allied forces systematically outmaneuvered the Union armies, forcing them into costly retreats.
In late 1857, Johnston launched one last major offensive, hoping to break the alliance. Instead, he was encircled and crushed in a devastating counterattack.
- The Union suffered catastrophic losses.
- Surviving forces retreated east of the Mississippi River, effectively ending their campaign.
In December 1857, the Seven Nations declared victory, with the Union forced to recognize their defeat.
Aftermath: The Emergence of the Sioux Nation
The Seven Nations consolidated their gains, establishing the Sioux Nation as a sovereign power, governing the Great Plains as an independent territory.
- Treaties were signed between the Sioux Nation and Cascadia, Louisiana, New England, and Australia, recognizing their sovereignty.
- The Union, humiliated by its defeat, was forced to abandon its expansionist ambitions—at least for now.
- Clemson, furious over the failure, ordered mass executions of Union generals and officers, blaming them for the disaster.
While the war ended Union ambitions in the West, Clemson would not forget this humiliation. His later rule would be marked by increasing militarization and new strategies to reassert Union dominance.
Legacy of the War of the Seven Nations
- First major military defeat for the Union of American States.
- Led to the formal recognition of the Sioux Nation as an independent power.
- Prevented Union expansion beyond the Mississippi River.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous military strategy and alliances.
- Marked the first major international coalition against the Union’s aggression.
The war proved that the Union was not invincible, setting the stage for future conflicts, power struggles, and shifts in North American geopolitics.