What Started King Philip’s War?
King Philip’s War was a devastating conflict that took place in 1675-1678 in present-day New England, involving the English colonies, Native American tribes, and the English monarchy. The war was named after Metacomet, also known as King Philip, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe. The conflict was one of the most brutal and destructive wars in American history, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, the destruction of entire towns, and a significant shift in the balance of power in the region.
The Background of the War
Before exploring the immediate causes of King Philip’s War, it is essential to understand the complex web of relationships between the English colonists and Native American tribes in New England. The English had established colonies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and had formed treaties with various Native American tribes, including the Wampanoag, the Narragansett, and the Abenaki.
The Colonists’ Expanding Settlements
The English colonists had been expanding their settlements in New England, often encroaching on Native American lands without permission. In 1672, the English colonists began to settle in areas that were traditionally Wampanoag territory, leading to tensions and conflicts. The Wampanoag, led by Metacomet, had been allies of the English during the Pilgrims’ early years, but as the English continued to expand their settlements, the Wampanoag began to feel threatened and betrayed.
The Role of English Colonial Politics
English colonial politics also played a significant role in the lead-up to the war. In 1672, King Charles II granted a charter to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, giving the colony control over a large portion of New England. This charter led to a struggle for power and influence between the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the other English colonies in the region. The colonies of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, which were also seeking to expand their territories, became increasingly concerned about the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s growing influence.
The Massasoit’s Death
In 1661, Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe, died. His death created a power vacuum in the Wampanoag tribe, which led to a succession crisis. Metacomet, Massasoit’s son, was initially overlooked in favor of his half-brother, Quinapin, who was supported by the English colonists. This snubbing of Metacomet by the English colonists further alienated him from them and increased his distrust.
The English Treatment of the Nipmuc
In 1671, the English colonists had executed several Nipmuc men who had been arrested and accused of stealing horses. This brutal treatment of the Nipmuc by the English colonists was a significant provocation and further escalated tensions between the English and Native American tribes.
The Event that Triggered the War
On September 2, 1675, a group of English colonists killed John Sassamon, a Native American convert to Christianity and a counselor to Metacomet. Sassamon was killed on Wampanoag land, which the English colonists had entered without permission. Metacomet and other Wampanoag leaders believed that Sassamon had been murdered on the orders of the English colonists. This event, known as the "John Sassamon Murder," is widely considered the trigger that started King Philip’s War.
The Start of the War
On June 24, 1675, Metacomet, along with other Native American tribes, launched a surprise attack on the English colonists at Swansea, Massachusetts. The war quickly spread throughout New England, involving numerous Native American tribes and English colonies. The conflict was characterized by brutal battles, massacres, and scorched-earth tactics.
Key Events of the War
Here is a table outlining some of the key events of King Philip’s War:
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| John Sassamon Murder | September 2, 1675 | Wampanoag land |
| Wampanoag Attack on Swansea | June 24, 1675 | Swansea, Massachusetts |
| English Victory at Great Swamp Fight | January 2, 1676 | New Hampshire |
| Massacre at Souhegan | March 12, 1676 | New Hampshire |
| English Victory at Great Brook Fight | March 24, 1676 | New Hampshire |
| Siege of Providence | May 1676 | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Massacre at Hadley | July 16, 1677 | Hadley, Massachusetts |
Conclusion
King Philip’s War was a complex and devastating conflict that was sparked by a combination of factors, including the expansion of English settlements, the struggle for power and influence among English colonies, and the murder of John Sassamon. The war resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the destruction of entire towns, and a significant shift in the balance of power in the region. It also marked a turning point in the history of English-Native American relations in New England, leading to increased violence and hostility between the two groups.
