RH+Reflection+Paper

Ryan Hergott Kurt Rowells AP US History August 12, 2009

In an ideal relationship one must maintain the status quo. What this means, simply is that all members of the relationship must necessitate each other equally. If the status quo is changed and one member does not require the other, the relationship can become corrupted. In The //Last of the Mohicans// by James Fennimore Cooper there are distinct relationships between the Native Americans and the French and British colonists. If or when the status quo changes innocent or culpable lives will be taken. It was the beginning of the French Indian War or otherwise known as the Seven Years War. The British allied the Mohawk, Cherokee, and what appeared to be the Ottawa tribes. The French Colonists sided with the Shawnee and various others. Both the French and British Colonists desire to rule more land. The colonists set out in their conquest and find themselves in a war. The relationships are declared and the battles begin. The Mohawk Tribe, or what remains of it, stays loyal to the British colonists after the French attack their village. They prove to be a helpful ally of the British colonists. The Mohawks respect the British lifestyle and remain by their side. The Mohicans remain enemies with the French throughout the Seven Years War. The Ottawa Tribe was not as trustworthy. The tribe marched with the British troops only to slaughter them seconds later. The betrayal of the Ottawa led to the alliance with the French. When the French offer a peace treaty to the British the Ottawa tribe is disgusted and continues the onslaught. The Ottawa do not seem to have morals of any sort, and their relationships with the colonists are skewed because of it. The French colonists make the argument between them and the British colonists clear from the start. They manage to make allies with some tribes but do not know how to keep their associates together. The French encounter problems in their relationship with the Ottawa tribe. The French were smart to concur with the British in the end. This changed the relationship for the best. The British colonists understand the situation and are quick to make allies. They manage a healthy relationship throughout the war. The British recognize the quarrel with the French and are able to agree with them after seven years. They were unwise to trust the Ottawa but could not have known of the betrayal that was to come. Some relationships are well managed and others were not. The Ottawa being the most cynical group kept the least amount of relationships. The Mohicans on the opposing end were the most trustworthy. Both the French and British colonists were too greedy but were able to maintain the status quo. Most relationships were upheld quite well during the French Indian War.