Question

Why did most American Indians support the British in the Revolutionary War?

O They feared that the British would punish them harshly if they supported the Americans.
O They feared that an independent American nation would move west into Indian lands.
O They were provoked by attacks from George Washington's Continental Army.
O They were promised representation in Parliament by the British government.

Answer 1

Most American Indians supported the British in the Revolutionary War due to fears of American encroachment on their lands, conflicts with George Washington's army, and promises made by the British government.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Revolutionary War, most American Indians supported the British for various reasons.

First, they feared that an independent American nation would encroach on their lands in the west. The British government had issued the Proclamation of 1763, which drew a boundary line prohibiting American settlers from moving across the Appalachian Mountains. Many American Indians saw the British as more likely to uphold this boundary, protecting their territory.

Second, some American Indian tribes had experienced conflicts with George Washington's Continental Army, which caused resentment towards the American cause. For example, during the Battle of Oriskany in 1777, the Oneida tribal members fought alongside the Americans, while the Mohawk and Seneca tribes supported the British.

Lastly, the British made promises to the American Indians that resonated with their concerns. They offered protection of Indian lands and promised representation in Parliament if they sided with the British. These promises gave the American Indians a sense of security and potential benefits under British rule.

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