Divided Alliance

Native nations did not all respond to the American Revolution in the same way. Some chose to support the British, some sided with the colonists, and others tried to remain neutral. These decisions were based on many factors like relationships with the colonists and the British, past treaties, and concerns about land and safety. Native nations played a critical role because their alliances could influence control of territory, trade routes, and the outcome of battles.

During the American Revolution, both the British and the colonists tried to gain the support of Native American nations. Many Native Americans worked with the British because British leaders wanted to keep colonists from moving west. Expanding west was expensive and difficult for Britain, and British officials did not want to spend the money or resources to control new territory. Native American nations also wanted to stop colonists from moving onto their land. For these different reasons, the British and Native nations formed alliances with overlapping goals. Sadly, many promises made to Native nations were broken, and Native Americans lost their land no matter which side they supported.

This mission highlights the civic strength of integrity, which means doing what you believe is right, keeping promises, and acting responsibly toward your community—even when the choices are difficult. Native American leaders faced pressure from multiple sides, but they made decisions they believed would best protect their communities. Though their alliances and paths differed, many acted with integrity by remaining loyal to their communities.

The Constitution references Native Americans three times, using the term “Indians,” and these references shaped how the federal government defined its relationship with these nations.

• Article I, Section 2 (Apportionment Clause): “Indians not taxed” were excluded from population counts used to determine representation in Congress.
• Article I, Section 8 (Commerce Clause): Congress was given the power to regulate trade “with Indian tribes,” acknowledging Native nations as separate from the United States.
• 14th Amendment, Section 2 (1868): While it granted birthright citizenship to those born on American soil and subject to the nation’s jurisdiction, it did not automatically include most Native people, who were still treated as members of separate nations.

While the Constitution established early rules for how the United States viewed Native American nations, many of the most important changes came later through laws passed by Congress. These laws shaped citizenship, land rights, and the relationship between Native nations and the federal government. Some laws expanded rights and recognition, while others caused serious harm and loss of land and sovereignty. Together, they show how the government’s treatment of Native Americans has changed over time—and how those decisions continue to matter today.

• Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: Granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans, while many remained citizens of their tribal nations, too
• House Resolution 331 (1988): Formally recognized that the Haudenosaunee helped inspire ideas of government that influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution
• Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975: Allowed Native nations to take greater control over their own education, healthcare, and community programs