In-Depth Source- What Made Relations Between Natives and Colonists so Difficult?

As I read through my in-depth source, “Suspected on Both Sides”, I was able to develop a deeper picture as the complex involvement of the Native Americans during the time of the American Revolution. One influential leader, known as Little Abraham, was an Iroquois who strongly advocated for the doctrine of neutrality, declaring that they were not to pick sides because, “we bear as much affection for the King of England’s subjects, upon the other side of the water, as we do for you, born upon this island”. This amicable tone spoken towards the settlers was surprising to me given the mistreatment received by the Natives from these Europeans. These attempts at friendly relations between the two groups were not easy given the anger and tension likely present at the time, however the efforts seemed to have been made out of self-interests. It was stated in the article that Little Abraham had political, economic, and geographical incentives to stay on the settler’s good sides, and the settler’s had similar views. Many came to America with a sense of entitlement and superiority. Many writings highlighted in this article show the shock of the Europeans upon seeing the sophistication of Native American society. The Europeans marveled at the homes and things that these people had because they held the preconceived notions that the Indians were uncivilized inhabitants of the new land. But what seemed to really inhibit relations between Natives and Europeans were the ulterior motives behind every seemingly positive event. Many of the treaties signed or acts favoring the Native’s land rights carried very little meaning with them besides political manipulation. Both sides lacked a mutual trust and respect for each other based on stereotypes and poor histories, and this insincerity and lack of respect rendered it extremely difficult for treaties to be upheld and for the Natives to have effective relationships with those establishing a new nation on their land.