Native Americans in the American Revolution: Roles and Alignments
During the American Revolution, Native Americans played crucial roles, albeit with varying degrees of involvement and loyalty. This article explores their participation, the reasons for their sides, and the aftermath of their involvement.
Roles and Alignments
The American Revolution saw significant involvement from several Native American tribes, who chose to support one of the two sides based on their own interests, treaties, and past experiences with European settlers.
The Catawba Scouts
One notable example is the Catawba tribe from South Carolina. Approximately 40 Catawba scouts were utilized by General Richard Caswell during the Williamson Expedition against the Cherokee in 1776. The Catawba were among the few Native American groups that sided with the American Revolutionaries. Their support proved costly, as the British retaliated by destroying their lands, causing the Catawba to flee northwards into southwestern Virginia. They remained there until it was safe to return.
The Cherokee and British Alliance
While the Catawba chose the revolutionary side, the vast majority of the Cherokee sided with the British. The relationship between the Cherokee and the British was based on several factors, including mutual distrust of the American settlers and provisions made by the British to support them.
According to historical records, the Cherokee were not uniformly aligned with the British. Many Cherokee remained neutral during the war, while the Revolutionaries mistakenly assumed all Cherokee were on the side of the British. This misinterpretation led to the destruction of many Cherokee towns.
Aftermath and Migration
The aftermath of the revolution saw a significant shift in Cherokee territory. Those Cherokee who had sided with the British migrated westward, primarily to areas such as Alabama and the Tennessee River. Some even settled in Arkansas and along the Mississippi River. They continued to fight from these regions, launching raids on settlers near Nashville and Kentucky. Others would attack from Ohio, traveling along the Scioto River and settling with the Shawnee.
Continued Conflict
Post-revolutionary conflicts continued, leading to the Treaty of Fallen Timbers in 1794. This treaty marked a new chapter for the Cherokee as they moved from their Ohio settlements back to their original lands in East Tennessee, Northern Georgia, and Northeastern Alabama.
Conclusion
The participation of Native Americans in the American Revolution reflects the complex and often tumultuous relationship between Native American tribes and European settlers. The Revolutionary War was not only a battle for independence but also a struggle for survival and territory among various Native American groups.
Understanding these roles and alignments is crucial in comprehending the broader impact of the American Revolution on both Native American and American history. Further research can provide more detailed insights into the experiences of other Native American tribes during this pivotal period.