jan 1, 1545 - Native American Reaction (WOR)

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Understanding the Native American reaction to European encroachment and attack requires understanding that the Native peoples were throughout the period of colonization, generally quite distinct from each other in a number of ways, such as culturally, linguistically, and more, generally based on their surroundings. Because of this, the tribes tended to be independent of each other, and Europeans did not face united fronts of resistance but often scattered resistance from tribes sometimes fighting each other. Generally, however, Native peoples fought against the Europeans, with some choosing to ally themselves with Europeans in order to best secure their survival with the perceived strongest nation. Native peoples were also at times more than just scattered, and quite formidable, in the cases of grand civilizations (Aztecs) or for example, the Iroquois confederation, a confederation of multiple tribes with the ability to band together against existential threats. For the most part, Native American reactions were reactionary against existential threats to their lives and/or ways of life, with some combatting the Europeans, and others choosing to side with whoever they believed would help them survive, in an effort to avoid genocide, slavery, exploitation, and preserve their sovereignties, cultures, and ways of life from eradication.

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