Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
History
Committee Chair
Tyler Boulware
Abstract
The Illinois Indians are generally studied as a prominent group in the Illinois Country that continually became more dependent after increased European Influence. This study looked at the split within the Illinois Indians, particularly between the Kaskaskia and Peoria. The fracturing of the Illinois Indians was a prominent point in the decline of the group. Under European influence, many Kaskaskia became Christians and moved their village closer to the French. Alternatively, the Peoria challenged the Christian religion and remained in the Lake Peoria region. By using primary and secondary literature on the topic, the split between the Kaskaskia and Peoria was examined as one of main reasons as to why the Illinois Indians are seen as becoming more dependent after European contact. This study concludes that while many factors contributed to the decline of the Illinois Indians, such as disease, war, etc., the division between the Kaskaskia and Peoria needs to be included to the list of causes as to why the Illinois Indians lost their influence in the Illinois Country.
Recommended Citation
Rogers, Gerald A., "The changing Illinois Indians under European influence: The split between the Kaskaskia and Peoria" (2009). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 4522.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/4522