Final answer:
The attitude that some Indians had towards the British was fear, primarily due to concerns over land loss following an American victory. This led many Indian tribes to support the British during the American Revolution. In India, attitudes varied, with some embracing British advances and others resisting colonial rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
The attitude that some Indians had towards the British was fear. They were concerned that an American victory in the struggle for independence would lead to expansion and thus a greater loss of their land. This fear drove many Indian tribes and nations to support the British during the American Revolutionary period. In a broader context, this refers to the geopolitical dynamics of colonial America, where different groups had to hedge their bets on the future rulers to protect their interests. While some Indians did indeed fear British power, they viewed it as the lesser of two evils compared to the prospect of American settlers pushing further into their territories. This fear was grounded in the experiences of encroachment and displacement many native peoples had already endured.
Additionally, there were various attitudes towards British rule within India itself. Some upper-class, educated Indians appreciated British power and technological advances, wanting to embrace Western progress, while others sought to preserve their traditions and oppose British rule. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Rebellion, exemplifies resistance to British colonialism as Indians became increasingly disenchanted with foreign rule.