Cultural difference was the main cause of rivalry between the Europeans and Native Americans. The protracted rivalry that existed between the two cultures was indeed beneficial to the Native Americans bearing in mind that they had a tendency of supporting the opponents of the Europeans in return for unilateral favors.
It was a common practice to support countries that would assist them in various ways. This tactic made the Native Americans to be very successful because they benefited whenever they entered into any deal with other countries.[1]
When the Europeans explored North America and came across the Native Americans, they were indeed shocked to encounter an extremely unique culture that was equally complex. This cultural difference made the Native Americans to take advantage of the Europeans who were treated as foreigners in North America.
It is also undeniable that this conflict led to massive social disruption, ethnic violence and political tension between the Native Americans and alliances that were being formed on a regular basis.
The conflict between the two cultures also led to rebellion against Great Britain since the Native Americans demanded their independence. In other words, the rivalry prompted the desire to pursue unity of purpose because the Native Americans were able to forge a common front in fighting for their liberation and sovereignty.[2]
The American nationalist movement was also brought into limelight as a result of the rivalry that ensued with the entry of Europeans in North America. Although the Native Americans suffered heavy casualties as a result of revolting against Great Britain and forming other liberation movements, the outcomes were beneficial to the North Americans who were mostly made up of the native population.[3]
The growing population of the European Americans was also another source of rivalry between the Native Americans and the explorers of the new land.
Due to the desire to protect the interests of the native population, several land concessions and treaties were put in place so that the Native Americans could derive the benefits of the growing population. In order to counter the influence of the Europeans who were thought to be more progressive and civilized than the Native Americans, the latter were encouraged to engage in European-style farming activities.[4]
Consequently, the Native Americans borrowed a lot of knowledge and skills from their European rivals (especially in agriculture). However, the poor state of technology was a major setback in conducting elaborate farming activities. Nevertheless, they gained a lot of competence and skills in regards to agricultural activities.
Another benefit of the growing conflict between the two cultures was that the Native Americans who were not yet citizens of America were granted full citizenship by the federal law making body. Such an action would not have been necessary in the beginning. However, the rapid expansion of foreigners made it necessary to do so.[5]
Finally, the rivalry between the Native Americans was extended up to the last century through radical activism that aimed at streamlining the influence of the powerful European imperialism. In a nutshell, the Native Americans managed to gain wider global recognition through the rivalry. The cultural infrastructure was also strengthened from that time onwards.
Bibliography
Starkey, Armstrong. European and Native American Warfare, 1675-1815. Oxon: University of Oklahoma Press, 1998.
Footnotes
- Armstrong Starkey, European and Native American Warfare, 1675-1815. (Oxon: University of Oklahoma Press, 1998), 9.
- Ibid, 62
- Ibid, 168
- Ibid, 60
- Ibid, 92