Treaty of Fort Pitt

Definition

The Treaty of Fort Pitt was signed in 1778 between the American Continental Congress and the Lenape (Delaware) Indians during the American Revolutionary War. This treaty aimed to establish a military alliance against British forces, marking a significant moment in the relationship between Native American tribes and the burgeoning United States, particularly in the context of tribal governance and sovereignty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of Fort Pitt was one of the first formal agreements made between the newly forming United States and a Native American tribe, highlighting the Lenape's strategic importance during the Revolutionary War.
2. In exchange for their support against the British, the Lenape were promised protection of their lands and a commitment to future peace by the Continental Congress.
3. This treaty also represented an early attempt at establishing governmental relations between a Native American tribe and a colonial power, influencing later treaties and alliances.
4. Despite its initial intentions, the Treaty of Fort Pitt was not fully honored by subsequent U.S. administrations, leading to further conflicts over land and sovereignty.
5. The signing of this treaty marked an important moment in defining tribal governance and relationships with colonial and later federal governments, setting a precedent for future treaties.

Review Questions

• How did the Treaty of Fort Pitt reflect the changing dynamics between Native American tribes and colonial powers during the Revolutionary War?
  • The Treaty of Fort Pitt illustrated a pivotal shift as Native American tribes began to engage directly with colonial powers to secure their interests. By signing this treaty with the Continental Congress, the Lenape sought military alliance against British forces, demonstrating their strategic importance. This alliance signified a recognition of Native American agency in political affairs and indicated that tribes could negotiate terms that affected their sovereignty and land rights.
• Evaluate the implications of the Treaty of Fort Pitt on future treaties between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
  • The Treaty of Fort Pitt set a precedent for future engagements between Native American tribes and U.S. government entities, highlighting both opportunities for alliances and risks of broken promises. While it aimed to create a framework for mutual protection and respect for tribal lands, its subsequent violation by U.S. authorities foreshadowed a pattern seen in later treaties where tribal sovereignty was often disregarded. This history illustrates the complexities of tribal governance and intergovernmental relationships that would continue to evolve.
• Analyze how the Treaty of Fort Pitt has been interpreted in contemporary discussions about Native American rights and sovereignty.
  • The Treaty of Fort Pitt remains significant in contemporary discussions surrounding Native American rights as it exemplifies early attempts to formalize relationships between tribes and the U.S. government. Modern interpretations often highlight how treaties like this one were meant to guarantee tribal sovereignty but were frequently ignored or violated by government entities. This ongoing legacy is central to current advocacy for tribal sovereignty and self-determination, as tribes use historical treaties as foundational documents in asserting their rights and negotiating with federal authorities.

Related terms

Lenape: A Native American tribe originally located in the Northeastern United States, particularly in areas now known as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, who played a crucial role during the early interactions with European settlers.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in Native American contexts, it refers to the recognition of tribal nations as self-governing entities with inherent rights.

Continental Congress: A convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that became the governing body of the United States during the American Revolution, responsible for making key decisions including treaties with Native American tribes.