Forming Alliances: Native Americans and European Powers

As Britain and France competed for North America, they formed different relationships with Native Americans. The French focused on the fur trade , creating business partnerships with many Native American groups. These groups often saw the French as allies rather than invaders.

The British, however, wanted land for their growing colonies, which created conflict with many tribes. To counter French power, the British formed a crucial alliance with the powerful Iroquois Confederacy . These opposing alliances set the stage for a wider conflict.