Patriot support

Definition

Patriot support refers to the assistance and allegiance given by various groups, including Native Americans, to the American colonists during the American Revolution. This support was critical as it provided resources, manpower, and strategic advantages to the revolutionaries while also highlighting the complex relationships between different tribes and colonial powers during this transformative period in history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many Native American tribes had to choose sides during the American Revolution, with some aligning with Patriots seeking independence from British rule.
2. The Iroquois Confederacy was divided, with some tribes supporting the Patriots while others sided with the British, leading to significant internal conflict.
3. Patriot support from Native Americans often included providing intelligence and assisting in military actions, which were crucial for the success of several key battles.
4. The relationship between Patriots and Native Americans was complicated; while some tribes supported them for their own sovereignty, others feared losing land and autonomy as a result of a successful revolution.
5. The eventual victory of the Patriots led to increased pressure on Native American lands, as many settlers moved westward post-war, undermining the initial support offered by some tribes.

Review Questions

• What were some reasons Native American tribes chose to support Patriot causes during the American Revolution?
  • Native American tribes supported Patriot causes for various reasons, including a desire for autonomy from British control and an opportunity to protect their lands from encroaching settlers. Some tribes believed that aligning with the Patriots would help them achieve greater self-determination. Additionally, they saw the conflict as a chance to leverage power dynamics in their favor against both colonial and British forces.
• Analyze how Patriot support from Native Americans influenced specific battles during the American Revolution.
  • Patriot support from Native Americans significantly influenced battles such as the Battle of Saratoga and various skirmishes along the frontier. Native warriors provided crucial intelligence on British troop movements and engaged in guerrilla tactics that disrupted enemy supply lines. Their involvement not only bolstered Patriot morale but also showcased the strategic importance of indigenous alliances in achieving military success against British forces.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Patriot support on Native American communities following the American Revolution.
  • The long-term effects of Patriot support on Native American communities were largely detrimental despite initial alliances. After achieving independence, American settlers increasingly encroached on indigenous lands, leading to displacement and loss of sovereignty for many tribes. The promises made during the war were often disregarded in favor of expansionist policies. As a result, many Native communities faced significant challenges in maintaining their autonomy and cultural identity amid growing pressures from a newly-formed government focused on westward expansion.

Related terms

Continental Army: The army formed by the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution to oppose British rule and secure independence.

Loyalists: Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution, often opposing Patriot support and efforts for independence.

Treaty of Paris 1783: The agreement that officially ended the American Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and establishing boundaries for the new nation.