Choose Your Friends Carefully  

In the early 1700’s the trans-Appalachian region of North America was occupied by Native Americans and some fur trappers and backwoodsmen who were Frenchmen from Canada and Englishmen from the British colonies.

As North America became more populated by the British, French, and colonist the realization that expansion was possible became the emphasis of the French and British realizing that these rich lands provided many opportunities for wealth. This led to disputes about land ownership and occupation.  

The colonist sided with the British along with the Native Americans. The Native Americans were familiar with the land terrain and the best methods of strategic warfare. Thus, their contributions assisted in changing the balance of power in the favor of the Colonists.   

These disputes led to what is known as the French and Indian War from 1754 – 1763. In any war there are winner and losers. Some wars are won through making alliances. This was the case in the French Indian War. The British and Native Americans formed an alliance to fight the French. This alliance proved to be successful for the British, colonist and the Native Americans.  

Later, the British came to war with the American colonist in the American Revolutionary War from 1775 - 1783. In this case the Native Americans allied in most cases with the British as before. But, the British were not successful in the war with the American colonist. So, the Native Americans learned a hard but valuable lesson. The lesson was to choose your friends carefully.  

Written by Cherokee Cloud 

Posted: March 4, 2007