Date of Award
Spring 2011
Project Type
Thesis
Program or Major
History
Degree Name
Master of Arts
First Advisor
Cynthia van Zandt
Abstract
This study examines the role that Indians played in King Philip's War. It argues that Indians and Indian fighting tactics saved the colonies from destruction. This contention relies heavily on the assertion that February 1676 was the turning point in the war. Chapter I reexamines the role that Indian spies and informants played in King Philip's War, and argues that they saved the colonies from surprise attacks on major settlements. Chapter II argues that "friendly" Indians played a significant role as counterinsurgents against a common enemy. Additionally, they provided extra numbers at a time when the colonial militias suffered from impressment derelictions. Finally, Chapter III shows that only after the colonial militia adopted Indian skulking tactics did they successfully repel Philip's forces. In summation, this thesis argues that colonial authorities organized English-Indian companies after a complete economic collapse in February 1675/6. It was this Indian alliance that led them to victory.
Recommended Citation
Pirelli, Shawn Eric, "Vital allies: The colonial militia's use of Indians in King Philip's War, 1675--1676" (2011). Master's Theses and Capstones. 146.
https://scholars.unh.edu/thesis/146