Why did the majority of Native American tribes side with the French during the French and Indian War?

The majority of Native American tribes sided with the French during the French and Indian War for several reasons:

1. Trade Relationships: Before the war, the French had established stronger and more cooperative trade relationships with many Native American tribes. The French traded goods such as firearms, metal tools, and other European goods that were highly valued by the Native peoples. The French were generally more respectful of Native cultures and less aggressive in their approach compared to the British.

2. Territorial Expansion: The British were more inclined towards agricultural expansion, which meant they were a greater threat to Native American land. The French, on the other hand, were more focused on the fur trade and did not settle in large numbers on Native lands, thus posing less of a direct threat to Native territories.

3. Diplomacy and Alliances: French diplomats and traders often intermarried with Native tribes, learned their languages, and engaged in cultural exchanges, fostering strong alliances. They were relatively more successful in diplomacy and maintaining good relations with Native Americans.

4. Strategic Considerations: Some tribes believed that by allying with the French, they could use the conflict as an opportunity to push back against British expansion. They hoped to limit British settlements and thus protect their hunting grounds and territories.

5. Colonial Military Practices: The British colonial policies and actions had created conflicts with Native Americans prior to the war, such as in various skirmishes, land disputes, and differing views on land ownership. These tensions made Native tribes more likely to align with the French, who they perceived as the lesser of two threatening powers.