Which statement best explains why in the early days of colonization, Native American tribes did not band together to fight European conquerors and settlers?

A: Native American tribes competed for resources and were independent of each other.
B: European missionaries had convinced most Native Americans that fighting was wrong.
C: Native American tribes did not know how to communicate with one another very well.
D: European conquerors and settlers were kind to Native Americans when they first arrived.

And you think it's ... ?

To understand which statement best explains why Native American tribes did not band together to fight European conquerors and settlers in the early days of colonization, let's evaluate each option and consider the historical context.

A: Native American tribes competed for resources and were independent of each other.
This statement is accurate to some extent. Native American tribes often had their own territories where they hunted, fished, and gathered resources. They had their own distinct cultures, languages, and alliances. It is true that they had pre-existing conflicts and competition over resources, which made it challenging for them to unite against a common enemy like the Europeans.

B: European missionaries had convinced most Native Americans that fighting was wrong.
While European missionaries did play a role in converting some Native Americans to Christianity and promoting peaceful resolutions, this statement oversimplifies the complex dynamics of colonization. Many Native Americans resisted European attempts at conversion, and there were instances of armed conflicts between Native Americans and European settlers despite the presence of missionaries.

C: Native American tribes did not know how to communicate with one another very well.
While there were linguistic diversities among Native American tribes, they had various methods for communication, including trade networks, intermarriage, and diplomacy. Native American tribes had long-established systems of communication and interaction, although language barriers may have posed challenges in some cases.

D: European conquerors and settlers were kind to Native Americans when they first arrived.
This statement is not accurate. While there may have been initial exchanges of cooperation and trade between some Native American tribes and European settlers, instances of violence, displacement, and mistreatment were prevalent during colonization. Europeans often sought to exploit Native American resources and land, leading to numerous conflicts and forced displacements.

Based on the historical context, option A, "Native American tribes competed for resources and were independent of each other," seems to be the most accurate explanation for why Native American tribes did not unite against European conquerors and settlers in the early days of colonization. However, it is important to recognize that the colonization process was complex, with multiple factors influencing the interactions between Native Americans and Europeans.