What Side Did Cherokee Fight in the Revolutionary War?
The Cherokee Nation, a Native American tribe that inhabited the southeastern region of the United States, played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Despite being a powerful and influential tribe, the Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the war was complex and multifaceted. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War and explore the reasons behind their actions.
Background
The Cherokee Nation was a prominent tribe in the southeastern region of the United States, with a population of approximately 20,000-30,000 people. They were a powerful and influential tribe, with their own government, laws, and customs. The Cherokee Nation was divided into several clans, each with their own distinct culture and traditions.
The Pro-British Faction
One of the most significant events that led to the Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was the Proclamation of 1763. This proclamation, issued by King George III of England, prohibited European settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. The Cherokee Nation saw this as a protection of their land and way of life, and they welcomed British rule.
The Cherokee Council, the governing body of the Cherokee Nation, was divided on the issue of the Revolution. Some members, led by Attakullakulla, a prominent Cherokee leader, were pro-British and saw the Revolution as a threat to their way of life. They believed that the British would protect their land and way of life, while the colonists were seen as a threat to their sovereignty.
The Loyalist Cherokee
In 1776, a group of Cherokee leaders, including Attakullakulla, signed the Treaty of Long-Island of Holston, which was a treaty between the Cherokee Nation and the British. This treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation and prohibited the colonists from settling on Cherokee land. The Cherokee Nation also provided military support to the British during the Revolution.
The Loyalist Cherokee were led by Dragging Canoe, a powerful and influential Cherokee leader. He was a strong opponent of the Revolution and saw the colonists as a threat to the Cherokee Nation’s way of life. The Loyalist Cherokee fought alongside the British during the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780, where they were defeated.
The Neutral Faction
Not all Cherokee leaders were pro-British or Loyalist. A group of Cherokee leaders, led by John Ross, were Neutral. They believed that the Cherokee Nation should remain neutral in the conflict and not take sides. This faction was opposed to the Pro-British faction and the Loyalist Cherokee.
The Treaty of Hopewell
In 1785, the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of Hopewell, which was a treaty between the Cherokee Nation and the United States government. This treaty recognized the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation and established the boundaries of their land.
The Treaty of Tellico Blockhouse
In 1794, the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of Tellico Blockhouse, which was a treaty between the Cherokee Nation and the United States government. This treaty ceded a significant amount of land to the United States and established the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.
Conclusion
The Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was complex and multifaceted. The Pro-British faction, led by Attakullakulla, saw the Revolution as a threat to their way of life and fought alongside the British. The Loyalist Cherokee, led by Dragging Canoe, fought against the colonists during the Battle of King’s Mountain. The Neutral faction, led by John Ross, remained neutral in the conflict.
The Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War had significant consequences for the tribe. The Treaty of Hopewell and the Treaty of Tellico Blockhouse ceded a significant amount of land to the United States and established the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.
Table: Cherokee Nation’s Involvement in the Revolutionary War
| Faction | Leader | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Pro-British | Attakullakulla | Signed Treaty of Long-Island of Holston, provided military support to the British |
| Loyalist | Dragging Canoe | Fought alongside the British during the Battle of King’s Mountain |
| Neutral | John Ross | Remained neutral in the conflict |
Bullets List: Key Points
• The Cherokee Nation was a powerful and influential tribe in the southeastern region of the United States.
• The Pro-British faction saw the Revolution as a threat to their way of life and fought alongside the British.
• The Loyalist Cherokee fought against the colonists during the Battle of King’s Mountain.
• The Neutral faction remained neutral in the conflict.
• The Treaty of Hopewell and the Treaty of Tellico Blockhouse ceded a significant amount of land to the United States and established the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation.
In Conclusion
The Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was a complex and multifaceted issue. The tribe’s actions were influenced by their own government, laws, and customs, as well as their relationships with the British and the colonists. The Pro-British faction, the Loyalist Cherokee, and the Neutral faction all played important roles in the war, and their actions had significant consequences for the tribe.
