 If we rush too fast through the 17th century, we might interpret the arrival of guns and metal-tipped arrows as the start of native dependence and European dominance. But we would be wrong. Local rivalries, customs, and geography continue to be the most important factors in native decisions and determine the opportunities and limits for Europeans. There had been new weapons here before and new ways of defending against them. When your enemy gained some advantage, you adapted. And that is what the Mohawks did.