1. Protection of Land and Resources: Native Americans viewed the land as their ancestral territory and a source of sustenance. The arrival of settlers and the encroachment on their lands threatened their way of life, access to hunting grounds, fishing spots, and sacred sites.
2. Cultural Preservation: Native American cultures were diverse, and they had their own languages, traditions, beliefs, and social structures. The arrival of settlers and the imposition of European values, religions, and political systems posed a significant threat to their cultural identities.
3. Mistreatment and Injustice: Native Americans experienced mistreatment, violence, and exploitation by settlers and soldiers. They resisted against forced removals, unfair treaties, broken promises, and the destruction of their communities.
4. Alliances and Intertribal Relations: Some Native American tribes formed alliances with each other to resist the common threat posed by settlers. They saw strength in unity and collaborated to protect their lands and sovereignty.
5. Leadership and Resistance: Charismatic leaders emerged among Native American communities, inspiring and mobilizing their people to fight against oppression and defend their rights.
6. Economic Competition: In some cases, Native Americans fought to maintain control over trade routes, hunting grounds, or resources that were valuable to both settlers and Native American tribes.
7. Religious Beliefs: Some Native American religious beliefs included concepts of defending their land and way of life from outsiders, which contributed to their resistance against settlers and soldiers.
It's important to note that not all Native Americans fought against settlers and soldiers. Some tribes chose to engage in diplomacy, trade, or accommodation to varying degrees, while others pursued armed resistance as a means of defending their lands and preserving their way of life.