Define the TopicYou have probably never heard of the Battle of Wabash or General Sinclair. It is one of the most significant battles in U.S. military history, although the engagement took place nearly 225 years ago. In fact, it was catastrophic to say the least, marked by bad decisions, a lack of motivation, training and leadership. Was the 1971 Battle of Wabash the most catastrophic defeat in U.S. military history? Indeed, it was. There was a grand introduction to this battle, foreshadowing the defeat to come. Although the U.S. Army was not very numerous at the time, the aftermath of this battle resulted in the loss of a quarter of the entire army in less than 4 hours!Setting the StageSet in the midst of the Chickamauga Wars between 1776 and 1794, during which Native American tribes attempted to stop the expansion of American settlers into their territories, the Battle of Wabash took place in the fall of 1791. Just two years after the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1788 , protests were launched. The United States was confronted. The challenges took place in the Old Northwest Territory region. This territory was occupied by the Western Confederacy, made up of Native American tribes; Ottowa, Ojibwe, Pottawatomi, Miami, Shawnee, Delewares, Wyandot, Mingo and Cherokee. The vital goal of the Native tribes was to stop the westward expansion of American settlers. After the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1786 ending the American War of Independence where the United States gained the territories occupied by the Indians. The natives of this territory, however, did not recognize this treaty and were strongly opposed to the arrival of the ...... middle of paper ...... regulars. Early in the expedition, General St. Clair had the option of waiting longer until the proper supplies were acquired and the soldiers were properly trained and cared for, but this was ignored at the cost of heavy expenses. An unfortunate placement, General St. Clair's forces were dispirited, underfed, overworked and complacent, setting the stage for the defeat to come. They had set up camp on the freezing night of November 3, 1791 without fearing any enemies, although enemies had been spotted along their route. The next morning, out of complacency and in full gear, the soldiers stacked their weapons and began eating breakfast, completely unaware that they were being watched and about to be attacked. Apart from their arms, they were either grouped together or scattered eating, disorganized and unprepared for the assault that was about to take place..