KING PHILIP'S WAR
King Philip's War, or the First Indian War, took place between 1675 and 1676. The war was between the English colonists, and the French and the Indians. It began in Rhode Island and Plymouth Colony in June 1675, and ended in southern New England after King Philip's death, August 12, 1676 (Norton, 83). Mary Beth Norton wrote a book called In the Devil's Snare. It is mostly focused on how wars were a cause for the Trials.
There were many reasons that started the war. Some of the origins lay in conflicts over land and Christian missionizing. The Indians wanted to keep their culture. Trading was a big factor. The Indians and the English highly relied on the fur trade so that each side could get what they wanted. Neither side trusted the other, and they suspected cheating of each other. The French tried to compete with the English in the fur trade. For the most part, they ended up on the side of the Indians. The English did not trust the Indians. King Philip already had a hatred for the Plymouth Colony after the death of his father and older brother. This helped fuel the fire (Norton, 85-86).
Throughout the year, many English settlements were attacked. Buildings were burned. Men, women, and children were executed. The colonists were used to death, but not to this extent. The Indians could be extremely violent and brutal. The scenes of the attacks were some of the most gruesome the colonists had ever seen.
There were many reasons that started the war. Some of the origins lay in conflicts over land and Christian missionizing. The Indians wanted to keep their culture. Trading was a big factor. The Indians and the English highly relied on the fur trade so that each side could get what they wanted. Neither side trusted the other, and they suspected cheating of each other. The French tried to compete with the English in the fur trade. For the most part, they ended up on the side of the Indians. The English did not trust the Indians. King Philip already had a hatred for the Plymouth Colony after the death of his father and older brother. This helped fuel the fire (Norton, 85-86).
Throughout the year, many English settlements were attacked. Buildings were burned. Men, women, and children were executed. The colonists were used to death, but not to this extent. The Indians could be extremely violent and brutal. The scenes of the attacks were some of the most gruesome the colonists had ever seen.
When the settlements were attacked, many of the colonists began to flee to other towns. Many fled to Essex County and to Salem Village and Town. There are many connections between the War and Salem. Ann Putnam, Jr.'s father was a sergeant in the War. Mary Walcott's great uncle, George Ingersoll, was a lieutenant in the War. Mercy Lewis lost many of her relatives during this time. Reverend George Burroughs was the minister in Falmouth, Maine until it was attacked (Norton, 88).
The stress and anxiety that the War put on people could account for why the Trials started. Many people were terrified after the War. It would not be surprising that this would cause mass hysteria in Salem. Even though Indians were not the threat, something unseen was even more terrifying. Thomas Putnam was in the War, if something was harming his daughter he had a right to be worried. Mercy Lewis was a survivor of the War. It is a wonder that she was even sane. In this time period, in this small village, it would not be a sur
The stress and anxiety that the War put on people could account for why the Trials started. Many people were terrified after the War. It would not be surprising that this would cause mass hysteria in Salem. Even though Indians were not the threat, something unseen was even more terrifying. Thomas Putnam was in the War, if something was harming his daughter he had a right to be worried. Mercy Lewis was a survivor of the War. It is a wonder that she was even sane. In this time period, in this small village, it would not be a sur