* Emphasis on peace and harmony. Handsome Lake preached that the Iroquois should live in peace with each other and with the white settlers. He also taught that they should avoid alcohol and other destructive behaviors.
* Return to traditional Iroquois values. Handsome Lake encouraged the Iroquois to return to their traditional ways of life, including their religious ceremonies and customs. He believed that this would help them to regain their strength and prosperity.
* Political reform. Handsome Lake called for the Iroquois to reform their political system to make it more democratic and representative. He also believed that the Iroquois should work together to protect their land and resources from the white settlers.
Tenskwatawa's Path
* Emphasis on resistance to white settlers. Tenskwatawa preached that the Indians should resist the encroachment of white settlers on their land. He also taught that they should reject European culture and return to their traditional ways of life.
* Prophecies of a coming apocalypse. Tenskwatawa predicted that a great war would soon come between the Indians and the white settlers. He said that the Indians would be victorious in this war and that they would establish a new world order.
* Religious revivalism. Tenskwatawa's teachings inspired a religious revival among the Indians. This revival led to a renewed sense of identity and pride among the Indians, and it helped them to resist the white settlers.
Differences between Handsome Lake's and Tenskwatawa's Paths
Handsome Lake and Tenskwatawa both offered paths for the Iroquois to follow in response to the challenges of the 19th century. However, their paths were quite different. Handsome Lake preached a message of peace and harmony, while Tenskwatawa preached a message of resistance. Handsome Lake encouraged the Iroquois to return to their traditional ways of life, while Tenskwatawa called for them to reject European culture. Handsome Lake believed that the Iroquois could survive and prosper by working together, while Tenskwatawa believed that they could only survive by fighting against the white settlers.
In the end, the Iroquois chose to follow Handsome Lake's path rather than Tenskwatawa's path. This decision was largely due to the fact that Handsome Lake's message was more realistic and achievable than Tenskwatawa's message. Handsome Lake offered a way for the Iroquois to adapt to the changing world, while Tenskwatawa offered them a way to fight against it. The Iroquois ultimately chose to adapt rather than fight, and they were able to survive and prosper as a result.
