Didn't the Native American tribes war with each other?

Question

I don't want to diminish their culture, but sometimes it is idealized. What do you think?

Answer 1

Yes. They did. Routinely. In fact, the Illini Federation was completely wiped out by the Iroquois in a dispute over territory.

Answer 2

Yes, Native Americans went to war. They also introduced slavery to the US since war captives became forced brides (if women) and slaves.

I don't think Native American culture is particularly idolized, especially when you look at the state reservations are in -- nowadays, successful tribes have casinos as their economic salvation. The alcoholic rate is significantly higher than the general population, too many kids are born with Fetal Alcohol Effect or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the High School and college graduation rates are tremendously low, and poverty is prevalent. Health care itself is lower, there is a tremndous sense of doom on the reservation, and the phenomena upon which the Native American cultures rely is governed by the US government, like the use of peyote in traditional ceremonies. Their languages are dying, their children are leaving and not coming back, and the traditional arts like weaving and pot making are left to the few stalwart elderly. How can you say anything about idealized?

Answer 3

of course they did