War Spreads to the Western Frontier
Describe how the Revolutionary War spread to the western frontier as British-allied tribes and Patriot militias fought for control of territory beyond the Appalachians in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
As the Revolutionary War continued, the fighting expanded beyond the original colonies. The conflict moved to the western frontier , the vast lands west of the Appalachian Mountains where American settlers and Native Americans were already in conflict over land.
The British formed alliances with many Native American groups, promising to protect their lands from further settlement. In return, these groups attacked American frontier settlements, creating a new and brutal theater of war.
Common Questions
How did the Revolution spread to the western frontier?
Fighting expanded beyond the thirteen colonies to western lands where British-allied Native American tribes and Patriot militias clashed for control of frontier settlements.
Why did many Native Americans support the British?
Most Native Americans sided with Britain because they feared American settlers would continue taking their lands if the Patriots won independence.
Who was George Rogers Clark?
George Rogers Clark led Patriot forces on the frontier, capturing British forts in the Illinois territory and strengthening American claims to western lands.