They wanted that land

[GoodTaste]

Do "they" in the phrase "They wanted that land" refer to whites? Logically I think so. But with "how “civilized” their native neighbors were" before the phrase, there seems to be a vague possibility that "they" refer to "their native neighbors". Do you native English speakers have the same vague feeling also?

Or is it crystal clear to you that "they" unambiguously refer to whites?

===============
But their land, located in parts of Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, was valuable, and it grew to be more coveted as white settlers flooded the region. Many of these whites yearned to make their fortunes by growing cotton, and they did not care how “civilized” their native neighbors were: They wanted that land and they would do almost anything to get it. They stole livestock; burned and looted houses and towns; committed mass murder; and squatted on land that did not belong to them.

Source: History.com
https://www.history.com/topics/native-american-history/trail-of-tears

 

[teechar]

The keywords here are "get it". Now, who do you think "they" refers to?

 

[GoodTaste]

The keywords here are "get it". Now, who do you think "they" refers to?

No. I've carefully read through the passage before posting the thread.

Because the question of "Where did you get the land" is also for these Native Americans themselves and tribal history was never a calm and even one. Since lacking written evidence for tribal history, the vague possibility can't be ruled out easily.

 

[teechar]

The native Americans already had it, so it only makes sense that "they" refers to the white settlers.

 

[Tdol]

It's unambiguous to me.