Pontiac's Rebellion Summary

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The idea of giving gifts had been a regular procedure in the relationship between the French and the Native Americans and was following a Native American tradition. The idea was that the Chiefs would accept the gifts and give them to the people of their tribe; and from this, the chiefs would retain respect from their members, thus maintaining the alliance created by the French. [22] Amherst, however, considered this tradition unnecessary and considered it to be a source of dependency for the Native Americans. Many Native Americans viewed this alteration in policy as an insult and an indication that the British looked upon them as a conquered people rather than as allies. [23] Another policy change was one that governed how a suspected criminal …show more content…

The initial attempt failed, and Pontiac withdrew his attack in order to refocus and search for alternative opportunities to capture the fort. [4] On May 9, Pontiac laid siege to the fort and was eventually joined by more than 900 warriors from a half-dozen tribes. Here, one can assess that Pontiac did indeed have a significant amount of influence over the regional tribes and inspired them to help lay siege to the fort. During this time, Native Americans made widespread attacks against British forts and settlements, with many of them being controlled ultimately by Pontiac …show more content…

Even though he did not accomplish his goal of driving out the increasingly invasive British, Pontiac inspired the Native American population across the Midwest to fight the oppression they faced every day. This was due, in part, to the French loss during the French and Indian War, which allowed Pontiac to form an alliance with the French. This alliance then allowed Pontiac to influence his fellow Native Americans that the French would help in the fight. Another confounding variable that inspired the fight against the British was the change in policies. The changes made only increased the hostility between the two groups, which to no surprise would later be used as a rallying cry for Pontiac to his

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