The colonies in America were not that old when the first war started.
This war was known as King Philip’s War and it was fought between the English colonists and the North American tribe of the Northeastern Woodlands. This war is actually named for a chief who took on the name of Philip. His father, Massasoit, had a friendly relationship with the Pilgrims.
This armed conflict started in 1675 and did not come to an end until 1678.
Massasoit had made and kept multiple treaties with the English colonists. When he passed away, his youngest son, Metacom (known as Philip), became chief. He did not honor these alliance and the Wampanoags, instead, attacked the colonists and wreaked havoc in the area.
This war turned out to be the deadliest war in the new colonies. In a little over a year, 12 towns were burned to the ground with many more damaged. The colonists lost so many people and 1 out of every 10 men died. Hundreds of natives were killed and their tribe left effectively landless.
King Philip’s War was a last ditch effort by the natives to regain control in the territory but it actually started an independent American identity. Why? The colonists faced the battles without any help from the British in England and they won.
A treaty was signed in April of 1678.
While a sad time in our history, it showed the colonists they were resilient and could face together difficulties in this new world of theirs.
It is always sad to see men battling for a piece of land and some rights they believe they have. While many died in this conflict, many survived and the Indians of that day were either captured and sent to be slaves or released to form new towns of their own.
The heart of men (even those thinking they are doing something good) is still sinful and when our rights get in the way we might stop listening to God’s will.
Whatever the case was during this colonial wartime, we know that people suffered. Our new country was definitely being formed through blood, sweat and so many tears.