In spite of the war’s moniker, not all Native Americans sided with the French

Instead of a conflict between the French and Indians, which had been raging since the late 1600s, this one was between French and British soldiers vying to rule North America.

Native Americans, however, had a significant impact. They participated in numerous engagements and formed alliances with both the French and the British. French armies initially had more success gaining their allegiance. Both nations had a mutually beneficial interest in trade, but the French were more receptive to Native American culture; they studied their languages and lived among them, occasionally getting married to and having children with Native women. The French also modified their military strategies, including guerrilla warfare in the woods and surprise assaults (including using camouflage).

Though initially neutral, the Iroquois Confederacy eventually sided with the British in 1758, while their longtime rivals, the Algonquins, supported the French. Native American communities were compelled to choose sides and determine how to best defend their territories because the English colonists did form alliances with particular tribes. In spite of the war’s moniker, not all Native Americans sided with the French.