Final answer:
Chief Joseph valued the survival and future of his tribe over warfare, contrasting with the younger war chiefs who led battles. His strategic retreat and famous capitulation reflected his responsibility as a peace chief to protect his people.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce tribe, had values that differed significantly from those of the warriors he led. While war chiefs were typically younger men responsible for leading their people in battles, Chief Joseph, who can be likened to a peace chief, valued the lives and future of his tribe over the continuation of a fight that could not be won. His decision to retreat through treacherous terrain in hopes of reaching Canada to avoid war, instead of fighting to the bitter end, reflects Chief Joseph's prioritization of his people's safety and survival.
Understanding that his people were outnumbered and outgunned, Chief Joseph's capitulation was a strategic decision to preserve life. His famous statement "I Will Fight No More" underscores the sorrowful acceptance of defeat, not out of cowardice, but out of a hope for the survival of his people. The pursuit by the Seventh Cavalry and the numerous battles the Nez Perce faced on their journey highlighted the relentless pressure they were under, despite their strategic advantages such as speed provided by their Appaloosa horses.
The plight of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe is emblematic of the broader conflicts between the encroaching U.S. government forces and Native American tribes. The forced relocation to reservations and the breaking up of tribal customs and lands portray the severe impact of these conflicts on the indigenous populations.