Final answer:
The villagers did not fight the white men due to the white men's military superiority, the societal changes undermining traditional resistance, and some members of the indigenous populations joining the settlers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons why the indigenous populations did not engage in an active fight against the white settlers are complex. A significant factor was the military superiority of the white men, particularly their firearms, which made traditional fighting methods of the native populations less effective. Additionally, many villagers were frightened by the technological advancements and strategies used by the newcomers, such as the scorching heat used to burn weapons and ammunition in one instance. The arrival of the white men also led to the disruption of the traditional way of life and means of sustenance for the natives, as hunting grounds and migratory patterns of wildlife were affected by new settlements and the introduction of railroads and cattle ranches.
Moreover, government policies that sought to confine native populations to reservations and assimilate them into agricultural lifestyles furthered the decline of their traditional social structures. The competition for natural resources and land, alongside the fear of nomadic warriors by settled people, often prompted actions against the native populations. Sometimes, elements within the indigenous communities themselves, perhaps interpreting the situation as futile or considering the advantages of adopting new ways of life, chose to join the white settlers, further weakening any potential resistance.