The colonial armies in the Tuscarora War had been composed mainly of native troops.

The Yamasee had been strong military allies of South Carolina colonists for many years, and Yamasee warriors had comprised the core of both armies.

Other natives had been recruited over a large area from diverse tribes that in some cases are traditional enemies of one another.

Tribes that had sent warriors to South Carolina's armies included the Yamasee, Catawba, Yuchi, Apalachee, Cusabo, Wateree, Sugaree, Waxhaw, Congraree, Pee Dee, Cape Fear, Cheraw, Saxapahaw, Cherokee, and various proto-Creek groups.

This military collaboration had brought natives of the entire region into closer contact with one another.

The natives had seen the disagreements and weaknesses of the British colonies, as South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia bickered over various aspects of the Tuscarora War.

Essentially all of the tribes that had helped South Carolina during the Tuscarora War join in attacking settlers in the colony during the Yamasee War, just two or three years later.