During the 19th century, Native Americans played complex roles in American conflicts, often acting as both allies and adversaries. They were significant players in the War of 1812, aligning with British forces against American expansion. In the Civil War, some tribes sided with the Confederacy while others supported the Union, seeking to protect their lands and sovereignty. The conflicts also included a struggle against U.S. government policies, leading to violent confrontations during westward expansion, notably the Indian Wars. Native American participation underscored their agency and the complexities of their relationships with European settlers and the U.S. government.