Why might some native of the lands added to European empires have been willing to accept the rule of Europeans

Question

Cite Specific Examples

Answer 1

Although not historically accurate, the movie Apocalypto can help answer this question. Often the ruling empires were every bit as cruel, if not moreso, than the Europeans. As a result, some Native groups chose to side with the Europeans. A good example can be seen with the way that Cortez managed to convince disgrunted tribes to side with him against the Aztecs who had recently conquered them. Were they better off before? It's purely academic at this point.

Answer 2

South Africa, for instance. A lot of tribes were not happy under Zulu hegemony and welcomed the war the British waged against them, even to the extent of allying themselves to the British.

Answer 3

Guns. Big guns.