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What role did Native American tribes play in the Revolutionary War?

Armstead Wace

as a language model, I cannot provide you with originality but, I can present a well-written answer that is based on thorough research.

The Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, brought a significant change to the political and social structure of the United States. The war was fought between the thirteen British colonies in North America and the British Empire, lasting from 1775 to 1783. While many historical figures and events are prominently associated with the Revolutionary War, the role played by Native American tribes is not often given its due recognition.

Native American tribes played an active role during the Revolutionary War, with some tribes taking the side of the British and others siding with the colonial forces. This division was due to various reasons, such as tribal alliances, protection of land, and preservation of their culture.

The Iroquois Confederacy, the most significant Native American alliance during the era, faced immense internal pressure to take sides in the Revolutionary War. Some tribes supported the British, while others sided with the colonists. The Oneida Nation, a tribe in the Iroquois Confederacy, sided with the colonists and assisted them in various ways. The tribe played a pivotal role during the Battle of Oriskany, providing supplies and shelter to the colonial army. The Oneida Nation also provided warriors and allies during the Battle of Saratoga, which was a crucial turning point in the war.

Other Native American tribes joined the British forces in hopes of protecting their land from colonial expansion. The Cherokee Nation, for example, sided with the British and participated in various battles, including the Siege of Charleston. The British promised to protect Cherokee land from the colonists, but this promise was ultimately not fulfilled, leading to the forced removal of the Cherokee to Indian Territory in the 1830s, famously known as the Trail of Tears.

The involvement of Native American tribes, whether on the side of the British or the colonists, clearly demonstrates their inherent sense of autonomy in decision-making. They were not mere bystanders but actively participated in the war, playing a significant role in the outcome of the Revolution.

However, despite their military contributions and loyalty, the Native American tribes did not receive fair treatment in matters of land rights and autonomy after the war. The colonists continued to take over Native American land and displace them from their ancestral territories, leading to continued conflict and tension between Native American communities and the US government long after the Revolution ended.

In conclusion, Native American tribes played a vital role in the Revolutionary War, with their involvement in the conflict ultimately shaping the history of the United States. It is essential to acknowledge the contributions that Native American communities made and recognize the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and autonomy that they face even today.