Algonquian Manipulation of the Colonial System

From 1600 to 1675 in southern New England,the involvement of Natives in English colonization equipped them with a sophisticated understanding of the colonial system that, in turn, allowed them to manipulate the English to promote their autonomy, traditions, and survival. Natives'' invaluable assistance in laying the foundations for English settlement provided the Algonquian a window of opportunity to learn how to utilize the colonial system. Natives offered a variety of settlement needs to satisfy English dependencies. Native tribes,leaders, and go-betweens provided essential information and resources for the colonization of New England. Natives opened their trade networks, taught survival strategies, constructed alliances, supported English military efforts, and created a common ground for the two-worlds to communicate. Natives'' experiences in aiding the English taught them how to utilize the colonial system to further their interests. Natives forged alliances with the English to counter-balance the strength of their rivals, protect their communities from warring tribes and white expansion, and to absorb the devastating effects of epidemics.

James R. Swiatek. Masters in History. Studied American, Native American, and Public History at the University of Brockport.