Native Americans in Revolutionary War: Choosing Sides — Reading Comprehension

The American Revolutionary War created a difficult situation for many Native American nations. These groups, including the Iroquois Confederacy, Cherokees, Shawnees, and others, had to decide whether to support the British, the American colonists (Patriots), or to stay neutral. Their choices were shaped by alliances, past treaties, threats to their land, and hopes for their future.

Native leaders faced a complex set of problems. Both the British and the Patriots wanted Native Americans as allies. The British promised to protect Native lands from colonial settlers, hoping to maintain their own control over North America. In contrast, most Patriots wanted Native land for farming and expansion. Sometimes Native nations split, with some groups supporting the British and others siding with the Patriots. This division created internal conflict and long-lasting consequences.

For example, the Iroquois Confederacy was divided by the war. The Mohawk, led by Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea), supported the British. Brant believed British victory would offer the best chance to protect Iroquois territory. He argued, "We are determined to be neutral, but if we must choose, we will support the side that respects our land." This quote shows how Native Americans weighed their sovereignty—their right to govern themselves—when making decisions. However, not all Iroquois agreed. The Oneida and Tuscarora supported the Patriots, hoping to maintain their own independence and future trade.

Other Native nations, such as the Cherokee, also faced difficult choices. Some Cherokee leaders allied with the British, believing the British would stop colonial settlers from pushing into their territories. Others tried to avoid the conflict entirely, fearing destruction and loss of life. This demonstrates the diversity of Native responses, as their decisions depended on local conditions, past experiences, and the threat of losing their homelands.

The consequences of these choices were significant. Many Native communities suffered attacks and displacement, regardless of which side they chose. After the war, the Treaty of Paris (1783) gave American colonists control of vast territories, but Native American nations were not consulted. Their interests were ignored by both sides. This result exposed the limits of Native American agency—their ability to influence major events. Native leaders realized that their alliances often did not guarantee protection or respect.

Historians compare the experiences of Native Americans in the Revolutionary War to highlight the contradictions and challenges they faced. On one hand, Native nations tried to defend their land and sovereignty. On the other, their choices often resulted in hardship, loss, and broken promises. This history challenges the idea that the Revolutionary War was only a struggle between British and Patriots; it was also a struggle for Native American survival and autonomy.

In summary, Native Americans made strategic choices during the Revolutionary War, seeking to protect their people and land. However, the outcomes rarely matched their hopes. By analyzing their experiences, we can better understand the complexity of the American Revolution and the costs of conflict for all involved.

Interesting Fact: Some Oneida warriors fought alongside George Washington's troops at the Battle of Oriskany, making them important Native allies to the Patriots.

Who led the Mohawk in the Revolution?

What did the Treaty of Paris (1783) do?

Which group joined Patriots at Oriskany?

Why did some Native nations support the British?

What was a consequence for Native Americans?

What does the primary source quote show?

Native nations always supported the Patriots.

What is 'sovereignty'?