The Indigenous groups chose to ally with Great Britain in 1812 because of the U.S. threat to their territories. The U.S. expansion into the Northwest Territory threatened Indigenous communities as they moved further westward. Moreover, the Indigenous groups had signed treaties with the British that guaranteed protection of their lands in exchange for their support during conflicts. Therefore, by joining forces with the British, they hoped to maintain their land and sovereignty while protecting themselves from U.S. expansion. The choice to align with Great Britain was ultimately a defensive measure taken to protect their rights and territories against U.S. aggression.
