4. Clashes of Cultures: Native Americans and European Settlers on the East Coast

Many diverse Native American tribes inhabited the East Coast of what would later become the United States. They spoke different languages and engaged in varied activities, such as farming, hunting, and warfare. Some well-known tribes include the Seneca, Mohawk, Seminole, and Cherokee.

These tribes had developed their unique cultures long before the arrival of European settlers, each with their own religious and spiritual beliefs, though many shared similar practices.

Trade played a crucial role in the lives of the Native Americans on the East Coast, with different tribes engaging in extensive trade networks spanning the entire country.

The first recorded encounters between Europeans and the native tribes of the East Coast occurred in the 1500s. French and Basque fishermen crossed the Atlantic Ocean in search of whales along the eastern shores of North America, establishing temporary camps and engaging in trade with the local Indians.

The Europeans often employed Native Americans, creating mutually beneficial relationships. However, attempts to establish permanent settlements along the coast were unsuccessful due to the harsh winters, leading to these fishing camps being temporary in nature.

The first permanent European settlers in New England began arriving in 1620, aiming to coexist peacefully with the Native Americans and relying on trade for sustenance. Recognizing their numerical disadvantage, the settlers understood that engaging in battles would only result in their defeat.

Conflicts arose almost immediately, primarily due to differences in land ownership concepts between the Native Americans and Europeans. Land held great importance for European settlers, symbolizing wealth and power, while Native Americans believed in the shared and sustainable use of land. They would farm in one area for a few years before moving on, allowing the land to revert to its natural state.

Initially, the few European settlers in New England sought land, and the Indians did not fear them. There seemed to be enough land for everyone to use and cultivate crops, fostering a sense of peaceful coexistence. The Indians assisted the settlers by teaching them farming techniques and survival skills.

However, the Indians did not comprehend the settlers' intention to claim and retain the land permanently. Over time, an increasing number of settlers arrived, resulting in the encroachment upon and seizure of Native American lands. Forests were cleared, fences were built, and Indians were forced off the land they had occupied for generations.

Religion further strained relations between the settlers and the Native Americans. The settlers were deeply committed to their Christian faith and believed it to be the only true religion, while the Indians had no interest in converting to Christianity or abandoning their own spiritual beliefs.

Many settlers began viewing Native Americans with mistrust because of their non-Christian status, considering them to be evil. Attempts were made to force the Indians to convert, failing to understand the deep religiosity of the Native American tribes and their belief in the interconnectedness of all things in the universe.

The introduction of diseases from Europe also exacerbated tensions, as Native Americans had no immunity to these diseases, leading to devastating outbreaks like smallpox that decimated entire tribes.

Initial encounters between settlers and Native Americans often started as friendly exchanges and trade. However, misunderstandings or disputes over land ownership would escalate matters into crises. Fear would replace friendship, leading to retaliatory actions and violent conflicts, as exemplified by the devastating King Philip's War.

King Philip, also known as Matacom, initially aided the European settlers, but growing fear and frustration, coupled with the death of his brother due to European diseases and land changes, drove him to conflict. The war, which began in 1675 and lasted almost two years, resulted in the loss of many lives on both sides, including settlers and Native Americans.

King Philip's War highlighted the victimization of the Narragansett tribe, who remained neutral in the conflict. Despite not taking sides, they suffered significant casualties as the settlers indiscriminately feared and targeted all Native Americans.

Fear, lack of understanding, and an unwillingness to compromise characterized the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans across various regions of the new country.