What was the status of lands west of the Appalachians after the Royal Proclamation?

The status of lands west of the Appalachians after the Royal Proclamation of 1763 was indeed reserved for the Indians. The proclamation was issued by King George III following the conclusion of the French and Indian War, with the intent to stabilize relations between British settlers and Native American tribes. It specifically prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, aiming to prevent further conflicts over land and resources.

This decision recognized the distinct rights of Native American tribes to their ancestral lands and sought to regulate colonial expansion. By reserving these lands, the British government intended to create a buffer zone between colonial settlers and the indigenous peoples, acknowledging the need for protection and respect for Native American territory.

The other options do not align with the intent of the Royal Proclamation. The lands were not declared open for colonization, nor were they made available for British settlers or designated as military zones; instead, they were specifically set aside to safeguard indigenous peoples and reduce tensions.