An alliance between men: Gender metaphors in eighteenth-century American Indian diplomacy east of the Mississippi

Metaphors from eighteenth-century speeches give insight into both gender id eas and diplomatic relationships. Eastern Indians commonly used gender meta phors and gendered kinship metaphors, either as insults aimed at enemies or as structures for international alliances. Gender metaphors enhanced commu nication between various Indian groups and the English because of shared ge ndered practices, particularly men's role as warriors. However, English rel iance on Indian military support cast doubt on English masculinity, and Eng lish claims to power in North America instead came to rest entirely on thei r ability to manufacture and supply Indian allies with trade goods.