During the American Revolution, Native American communities were torn apart by different loyalties and the harsh realities of war.
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Different Loyalties:
- Some tribes joined forces with the British. They hoped this would help protect their lands from American settlers. For instance, the Iroquois Confederacy was divided. Some groups supported the British, while others sided with the Americans. This split made it harder for Native Americans to come together against colonial expansion.
- On the other hand, some tribes chose to support the Americans. They believed that gaining independence would mean better treatment and respect for their rights. Sadly, many of these hopes were crushed when the new American policies favored the settlers instead.
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Internal Conflicts:
- Choosing sides often led to big disagreements within the tribes. Friends and family found themselves on opposite ends of the war, causing violence and distrust. This created rifts in their communities.
- Tribal leaders faced tough choices, trying to keep their people united while dealing with pressure from both colonists and other Native Americans. This challenge made it hard to maintain their cultural identity.
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Long-Term Consequences:
- After the revolution, the U.S. government often ignored treaties and adopted harsh policies. This treatment pushed Native communities away and deepened the divisions between them. The loss of trust caused deep, lasting hurt.
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Possible Solutions:
- If Native American leaders from different sides had talked more and worked together, they might have created a stronger united front.
- Building strong alliances between tribes could have given them more strength to negotiate better terms and recognition with the new American government during and after the revolution.
In the end, the conflicts among Native American communities during the American Revolution had serious consequences. It complicated their fight for independence and survival in a rapidly changing world.