Indian Diplomacy and the European Invasion

Impact of European Disease

Indian Diplomacy

An Example of Diplomacy

Impact of Europeans DiseaseEuropeans brought many diseases with them that Indians did not have immunity toIndians never developed immune because of isolationDiseases weaken Indian ability to provide a strong defense and deaths open well carried for land for Europeans

Impact of Europeans DiseaseJamestown colonists baffled that Indian villages disappear

Indians that Columbus meet on Hispainola are literally wiped out by 1650

1633, estimated that 10,000 Pequot Indians die because of smallpox

Indian Diplomacy

Indians will use Europeans as allies against their enemies

In 1637, English and the Pequot Indians are involved in all out war. Both sides are brutal and murderous.Indian allies of English play a critical role in the demise of the Pequot Indians.

Indian Diplomacy

Indians will pit the European powers against each other by entering into treaties with both powers

Europeans realized that Iroquois are a powerful nation

An Example of Indian Diplomacy

In 1701, the Iroquois enter in a treaty with France and EnglandThey promise the French not to side with the EnglishThey promise the English land past the Appalachians Mts. and to be their allies

An Example of Indian Diplomacy

These treaties allowed the Iroquois to become successful in the fur trade and increase their population by absorbing lesser tribesBecome so successful that Iroquois actual control fur trade and trade routes

An Example of Indian Diplomacy

During the Seven Year’s War , 1756-1763, it is the English who seek to woo the Iroquois to pick a sideThe Iroquois do not commit to a side until it is clear that the English will winOther Indians side with the French and will come out losing because the French lose the war

An Example of Indian Diplomacy

After the Seven Year’s War, English policy will be to avoid confrontation with Indian nations over land(not enforceable)

Indian nations also became dependent on trade with only the English

An Example of Indian Diplomacy

Reasons for weakening of Iroquois nation

One European nation rules North America

Dependency on English trade

Colonist continue to move into Indian lands