The Iroquois Confederacy, particularly during the colonial conflicts and the American Revolutionary War, allied with the British for several reasons:
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Protection of Territory: The Iroquois sought to protect their land and hunting grounds from encroachment by American settlers. The British had established a more formalized relationship with the tribes, which they believed could offer better defense against American expansion.
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Political Alliances: The Iroquois had a long-standing relationship with the British, which had grown over decades of trade and diplomacy. They had established complex political alliances, and many Iroquois leaders felt that aligning with the British would be advantageous in maintaining their sovereignty.
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Shared Interests: The British and Iroquois had common interests in controlling various territories in North America, especially against rival tribes and colonial governments. The Iroquois hoped to maintain their influence in the region by collaborating with the British.
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Fear of American Independence: Many Iroquois leaders viewed the American Revolution as a threat since an independent America might further encroach upon their lands. They believed that the British had more to lose from American independence than they did, leading them to side with the Crown.
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Military Support: The British provided military support to the Iroquois, including supplies and troops, which they believed would help them in their conflicts with both American settlers and rival tribes.
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Historical Rivalries: The Iroquois had historical rivalries with other Indigenous tribes that were siding with the Americans, such as the Delawares and some Algonquin tribes. By siding with the British, the Iroquois aimed to bolster their own position against these rivals.
While these factors led the Iroquois to ally with the British, the results of this alignment were complex and had long-lasting implications for the Iroquois Confederacy, particularly following the loss of the British in the Revolutionary War.
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