It was a tragic failure of understanding. As the Superintendent of Indian affairs, Sir William Johnson pointed out; hundreds of lives could have been spared if the British had simply shown a minimum of respect for native American culture.
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OTTAWA
Fought to retain control over their territory
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BRITISH
Fought for King, country, and the expansion of the British Empire
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Followed chiefs who led by friendly persuasion
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Obeyed the King and his representatives
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People belonged to extended families or clans
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Everyone had a pre-defined place in a rigid social class system
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Ottawa warriors were also hunters and traders for whom war was a part-time occupation
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The British army was made up of career soldiers for whom war was a full-time occupation
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Any warrior could become a war chief if he was a brave fighter and a skilled tactician
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Generals were usually men of relatively high birth who were appointed by the Crown
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Pontiac and the Ottawa saw the Europeans' gift-giving as "rent" for the use of native lands
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General Amherst discontinued the French practice of giving presents to the Ottawa on grounds that it encouraged laziness
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Practiced ritual cannibalism to celebrate a victory and honor the fallen enemy
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Gave their enemy "presents" of smallpox contaminated blankets
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