During the American Revolution, many Native American groups and enslaved people chose to side with the British for several reasons:
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Independence and Autonomy: Many Native American tribes saw an alliance with the British as a way to protect their lands and autonomy. The American colonists were expanding westward, encroaching on Native lands. By siding with the British, they hoped to resist colonial expansion and maintain control over their territories.
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British Promises: The British actively sought the support of Native American groups by promising to protect their lands from American settlers. British officials, such as Sir William Johnson, made appeals to tribes by emphasizing the threat that colonists posed to their way of life.
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Enslaved People's Perspectives: For enslaved individuals, the British offered the promise of freedom. The most notable example is the Lord Dunmore's Proclamation of 1775, which declared that any enslaved person who fled their American masters and joined the British army would be granted freedom. This promise motivated many enslaved individuals to seek liberation by supporting the British forces.
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Strategic Alliances: Native American groups often formed strategic alliances based on their interests and the power dynamics of the time. Aligning with the British was a tactical decision to counteract the threat of American colonial forces and internal rivalries among tribes.
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Previous Relationships: Some Native American tribes had established trade relationships and treaties with the British prior to the revolution, creating a historical context of partnership that influenced their decision to support the British against the colonies.
In summary, the complex interplay of land protection, promises of freedom, strategic alliances, and historical relationships influenced the decisions of both Native American groups and enslaved people to side with the British during the American Revolution.