Native American Involvement in the Revolutionary War

During the Revolutionary War, over 250,000 Native Americans inhabited the Eastern United States, representing more than 80 distinct nations. Both British and revolutionary forces sought their support. Native Americans faced significant stakes, as the war threatened their independence and lands. They adopted varied strategies: some remained neutral, others aligned with the British, and a minority sided with the revolutionaries. The Iroquois Confederacy exemplified this division, with the Mohawk siding with the British and the Oneida with the revolutionaries. Despite their contributions, the Treaty of Paris in 1783 overlooked Native American interests, leading to land loss and displacement. Their resilience and cultural heritage endure, highlighting their significant impact on the war.

What was the approximate number of Native Americans living in the Eastern United States at the start of the Revolutionary War?

• 250,000

• 100,000

• 1,000,000

• 500,000

Why did some Native American nations view the British as a lesser threat compared to an independent United States?

• The British had superior military resources

• The British promised them independence

• The British limited colonial expansion into native lands

• The British offered them more trade opportunities

Which Native American nation became the first allies of the Continental Army?

• Tuscarora

• Cherokee

• Onondaga

• Mohawk

What was a significant challenge for Native American communities during the Revolutionary War?

• Maintaining neutrality

• Establishing new settlements

• Finding new trade partners

• Choosing sides in the conflict

Who was a key leader that influenced the Mohawk to align with the British?

• Reverend Samuel Kirkland

• Joseph Brandt

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

What motivated the Stockbridge Mohican tribe to side with the revolutionaries?

• Promises of land expansion

• Ties to local revolutionary movements

• Fear of British retaliation

• Desire for independence

What roles did Native Americans play during the Revolutionary War?

• As traders and merchants

• Only as soldiers

• Only as diplomats

• As scouts, soldiers, and diplomats

What was the outcome for many Native American tribes after the Treaty of Paris in 1783?

• They gained new territories

• They were granted independence

• They faced land loss and displacement

• They formed a new nation

How did the Treaty of Paris in 1783 affect Native American interests?

• It established trade agreements

• It granted them new rights

• It secured their lands

• It overlooked their interests

What does the resilience and cultural heritage of Native Americans underscore about their impact on the Revolutionary War?

• Their complete assimilation into American culture

• Their overlooked yet significant impact

• Their minor role in the war

• Their alliance with the British