Treaty of Fort Pitt

Definition

The Treaty of Fort Pitt, signed in 1778, was an agreement between the American colonists and various Native American tribes, specifically the Lenape (Delaware) and Shawnee, during the American Revolutionary War. This treaty aimed to secure an alliance with Native Americans against British forces and promised protection of their lands in return for their support. The treaty's significance lies in its attempt to navigate the complex relationships between colonial powers and Indigenous nations during a time of conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Fort Pitt was one of the first formal agreements made between American colonists and Native American tribes during the Revolutionary War.
2. The treaty promised that the lands of the Lenape and Shawnee would be respected by the colonists in exchange for military assistance against British forces.
3. Although initially supportive, many Native Americans became disillusioned with the treaty as colonial expansion continued after the war.
4. The Treaty of Fort Pitt highlighted the complexities of Native American alliances during the war, as tribes had to navigate their interests amidst European power struggles.
5. The treaty is often viewed as a reflection of colonial attitudes towards Native Americans, as it sought to use their resources while disregarding long-term sovereignty.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives behind the signing of the Treaty of Fort Pitt from both the American colonists' and Native Americans' perspectives?
  • The main objective for the American colonists in signing the Treaty of Fort Pitt was to secure a military alliance with influential Native American tribes like the Lenape and Shawnee against British forces. From the perspective of these tribes, entering into this treaty provided a chance to protect their lands from encroachment by colonial settlers while also seeking a strategic advantage in their ongoing conflicts with other tribes and colonial interests. This mutual benefit reflected a momentary alignment of interests during a tumultuous time.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Treaty of Fort Pitt influenced later relationships between Native American tribes and American settlers after the Revolutionary War.
  • The outcomes of the Treaty of Fort Pitt had significant repercussions for later relationships between Native American tribes and American settlers. While it initially fostered cooperation, as colonists expanded westward post-war, many Indigenous leaders felt betrayed due to broken promises regarding land protections. This sense of betrayal led to increased tensions and conflicts, as many tribes resisted encroachment, resulting in further treaties that often favored colonial interests over Native rights.
• Assess how the Treaty of Fort Pitt reflects broader themes regarding sovereignty and colonialism during the Revolutionary War period.
  • The Treaty of Fort Pitt reflects broader themes of sovereignty and colonialism by illustrating how colonial powers sought to manipulate Indigenous alliances for their benefit while often disregarding native autonomy. The treaty's promises were made within a context where colonists viewed land ownership as a right to exploit resources without fully recognizing Indigenous sovereignty. This relationship exemplifies a recurring dynamic throughout U.S. history where treaties are used as tools for colonization, leading to long-lasting impacts on Native American rights and territorial claims.

Related terms

Lenape: A Native American tribe originally from the Northeastern United States, also known as the Delaware people, who played a key role in the negotiations of the Treaty of Fort Pitt.

Shawnee: A Native American tribe from the Ohio Valley region that engaged in various alliances during the Revolutionary War, including with American colonists through the Treaty of Fort Pitt.

Alliance: A formal agreement between parties, often for mutual benefit; in this case, it refers to the collaboration between American colonists and Native American tribes against common enemies.