He is best known as a peacemaker, but he was forced to fight to keep the U.S. government away from his land. Chief Joseph became chief of the Wallowa people of Nez Perce in 1871 after his father passed away. At the time, the U.S. government was trying to force the group out of their native land and into a small area of Idaho that was one-tenth the size of his home. Joseph negotiated with the government to retain his land, but they reversed themselves four years later and threatened to attack the Indians if they didn't leave. His 300 men fought over 2,000 U.S. soldiers in a retreat toward the Canadian border. Chief Joseph constantly out-maneuvered the U.S. military and his men were far more skilled. However, being so outnumbered, he was forced to surrender while only 40 miles from the border.
