This “Portraits in Oversight” video discusses the disastrous defeat of General St. Clair’s forces by Native Americans in 1791, and the subsequent investigation by Congress. This precedent-setting investigation highlights the logistical failures, mismanagement, and lack of preparedness that contributed to the defeat, and the lessons learned that led to improvements in military organization and accountability. It also established Congress’ right to conduct investigations into the performance of the executive branch.

The “Portraits in Oversight” video series is a product of The Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy. The Center was established in 2015 to carry on the legislative oversight legacy and public vision of U.S. Senator Carl Levin. Our civic education program, Learning by Hearings, provides US History and Civics teachers with materials for inquiry lessons and in-class simulations, using noteworthy congressional investigations and hearings to bring to life principles of accountable governance and historic figures central to the development of our democracy. These FREE resources are made available through the support of the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Education and the work of Detroit PBS.