The Grounders developed a deep hatred for The 100 primarily due to the immediate and destructive actions taken by the Delinquents upon their return to Earth.
Initial Conflict and Retaliation
Upon landing, the Delinquents, who were the first humans to descend from space in generations, immediately ignited a conflict with the indigenous Grounder population.
- Village Burning: The primary catalyst for the animosity was the burning of a Grounder village by the Delinquents shortly after their arrival. This act of aggression was perceived as a direct threat and an invasion of their territory.
- Unified Grounder Front: At the time of The 100's arrival, the 12 Grounder Clans had, after many years of internal strife, been united under the powerful leadership of Commander Lexa and her Coalition. This strong, unified front meant that an attack on one clan, or even perceived aggression, was met with collective retaliation from the unified Grounder forces.
- Escalation of Conflict: The burning of the village led to an immediate and brutal retaliation from the Grounders, sparking a prolonged and violent conflict between the two groups. This initial act of destruction established a foundation of distrust and hostility that defined their early interactions.
The Grounders viewed The 100 not as fellow survivors, but as dangerous invaders who threatened their established way of life and territory. This foundational act of violence became the root cause of their hatred and the subsequent struggle for survival and dominance on the ground.