Who Did the Cherokee Side with in the Revolutionary War?
The Cherokee Nation, a powerful and influential Native American tribe, played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Despite being a major player in the conflict, the Cherokee Nation’s allegiance was a subject of controversy and debate among historians. In this article, we will delve into the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the warring factions of the Revolutionary War.
Background
Prior to the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee Nation had a long-standing alliance with the British Crown. This alliance was forged in the early 18th century, when the British provided the Cherokee with guns, ammunition, and other trade goods in exchange for their loyalty and support. The Cherokee, in turn, provided the British with valuable intelligence on the French and Spanish colonies in North America.
The War Begins
When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, the Cherokee Nation was initially neutral. However, as the conflict escalated, the Cherokee began to take sides. In 1776, a group of Cherokee leaders, including Attakullakulla, a prominent Cherokee chief, signed a treaty with the British, pledging their support to the Crown.
The Treaty of Long-Island
In 1777, the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of Long-Island, which formalized their alliance with the British. The treaty granted the British the right to use Cherokee land for military purposes and provided for the exchange of prisoners and supplies. In return, the British promised to provide the Cherokee with military support and protection from their enemies.
Cherokee Raids and Battles
Throughout the war, the Cherokee Nation launched several raids and battles against American settlements and troops. One of the most notable battles was the Battle of Fort Watauga, which took place in 1776. The Cherokee, led by Dragging Canoe, a prominent Cherokee war leader, attacked the fort, which was occupied by American settlers. The battle was fierce, but the Americans ultimately emerged victorious.
The American Response
In response to the Cherokee raids and battles, the American Continental Army launched a series of campaigns against the Cherokee Nation. In 1779, a group of American troops, led by John Sevier, a prominent American frontiersman, launched a campaign against the Cherokee. The campaign was successful, and the Cherokee were forced to surrender.
The Treaty of Hopewell
In 1785, the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of Hopewell, which formally ended the war and established a new relationship between the Cherokee and the United States. The treaty granted the Cherokee control over their land and established a system of trade and commerce between the two nations.
The Legacy of the Cherokee in the Revolutionary War
The Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War had significant consequences for both the tribe and the United States. The war marked the beginning of a long and complex relationship between the Cherokee and the United States, which would be marked by periods of conflict and cooperation.
Key Points
- The Cherokee Nation initially remained neutral in the Revolutionary War.
- In 1776, a group of Cherokee leaders signed a treaty with the British, pledging their support to the Crown.
- The Treaty of Long-Island formalized the alliance between the Cherokee and the British.
- The Cherokee launched several raids and battles against American settlements and troops.
- The American Continental Army launched a series of campaigns against the Cherokee Nation.
- The Treaty of Hopewell formally ended the war and established a new relationship between the Cherokee and the United States.
Table: Cherokee Leaders and Their Roles in the Revolutionary War
| Leader | Role |
|---|---|
| Attakullakulla | Signed the Treaty of Long-Island and pledged Cherokee support to the British |
| Dragging Canoe | Led Cherokee raids and battles against American settlements and troops |
| John Sevier | Led American troops in campaigns against the Cherokee Nation |
Conclusion
The Cherokee Nation’s involvement in the Revolutionary War was complex and multifaceted. While the tribe initially remained neutral, they eventually sided with the British and launched several raids and battles against American settlements and troops. The war marked the beginning of a long and complex relationship between the Cherokee and the United States, which would be marked by periods of conflict and cooperation.
