King Phillip's War Research Paper

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King Philip's War was a major conflict in colonial New England from 1675 to 1676. It set the Native American tribes, led by King Philip, against English settlers. The war started thanks to land disputes and cultural differences. It involved violent attacks on both sides, with many settlements destroyed and lives lost. Eventually, the English had an advantage with reinforcements and aggressive tactics giving them the victory. The war ended with King Philip's death in 1676 and a treaty in 1678. The effects on Native American communities were harsh and colonial expansion in the region became uncontended. Chroniclers of King Philip's War included figures like Mary Rowlandson, Increase Mather, Benjamin Church, and Samuel G. Drake. They played a …show more content…

Increase Mather (1639-1723) was a prominent Puritan minister, theologian, and scholar in colonial Massachusetts. He was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts Bay Colony, and graduated from Harvard College in 1656. Mather served as the president of Harvard College from 1685 to 1701 and played a significant role in shaping religious and political life in colonial New England. He was deeply involved in the affairs of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was influential in matters of religion, education, and governance. Increase Mather's "A Brief History of the War with the Indians" offers a comprehensive analysis of King Philip's War, illustrating the conflict through a providential lens deeply ingrained in Puritan theology and ideology. Within Mather's narrative, Native Americans are depicted as hostile aggressors posing a grave threat to English civilization, while English colonists are portrayed as virtuous defenders of their homes and …show more content…

Benjamin Church (1639–1718) was a colonial American military leader and ranger during King Philip's War. Born in Plymouth Colony, Church was of mixed English and Native American descent, which influenced his interactions with Native American tribes during the conflict. He became known for his military tactics and leadership skills, which played a significant role in the English victory in the war. Benjamin Church's "Entertaining Passages Relating to Philip's War" offers a firsthand account of the conflict, highlighting his military prowess and leadership skills while providing insights into the complexities of the conflict and his interactions with Native American tribes. Church portrays Native Americans as formidable opponents skilled in guerrilla warfare tactics, yet acknowledges their grievances against the English colonists. His narrative showcases his adaptability and resourcefulness as a military leader, emphasizing the English colonists' courage and determination in overcoming

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