The relationships between European and American colonizers and Indigenous Americans were complex and fraught with conflict. From the moment of first contact, European and American colonizers sought to exploit the resources of the Americas for their own gain, often disregarding the existing Indigenous populations. This disregard frequently manifested in violent encounters and cruel treatment of Indigenous peoples, as colonizers engaged in land appropriation, forced labor, and other oppressive practices.
Initially, there were instances of mutual respect and trade; however, as colonizers' interests expanded, respect often gave way to exploitation and brutality. The U.S. government's policies further entrenched these dynamics, often supporting colonizers' actions that led to the displacement and suffering of Indigenous peoples. Overall, the relationships were characterized by a power imbalance, with colonizers prioritizing their economic interests over the rights and lives of Indigenous Americans.