Final answer:
Native American tribes primarily sided with the British during the American Revolutionary War as the British were seen as less of a threat to their lands, especially in comparison to American settlers. This pattern of alignment based on land security concerns continued through further historical conflicts, including the Civil War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most Native American tribes preferred to side with the British during the American Revolutionary War because they did not view them as a threat to their land, particularly in contrast to American settlers.
The British supported the Proclamation Line of 1763, which, while not permanent, offered some measure of protection against the encroachment of American expansion. This sense of security, along with the fear of losing more land to American settlers, made the British the preferred allies for many tribes.
Furthermore, this historical pattern continued into later conflicts, such as the Civil War, where tribes like the Cherokees sided with the Confederacy, due to their belief in a better chance at sovereignty and because some tribes in Oklahoma practiced slavery.
However, this alliance was frowned upon by many in the U.S. Army and the federal government, which influenced subsequent policies towards native tribes. The overall history with the United States government, characterized by forced removals like the Trail of Tears, betrayal of treaties, and a desire for expansion at the expense of native lands, has shown a consistent disregard for Native American rights and ways of life.