The Native Americans in the 1600's
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You've picked a broad topic, one that displays many hardships due to the prejudice of early American settlers. The Native Americans lived in primitive nomadic tribes. Though they were passionate and headstrong, they were very loyal to the family and the earth. Good will and respect were important assets. Their system of governing was similar to an absolute monarchy. However, it sustained a sturdy council and emphasized social equality.
Despite the civilized qualities described, the Natives were misconstrued as barbaric and savage, ever since Christopher Columbus' raid in 1492.
Despite the civilized qualities described, the Natives were misconstrued as barbaric and savage, ever since Christopher Columbus' raid in 1492.
Jamestown
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Since Columbus came, the hardships did not end. In 1607, Jamestown was founded. Settlers came looking for gold and raided the native settlements. Captain John Smith was captured by the Powhatan chief, and saved by his daughter, Pocahontas.
That same year, the natives brought food to the colonists as a sign of peace. Little did they know that the colonists brought only disease to repay them. In 1616 there was a smallpox epidemic in New England, wiping out hundreds of natives.
That same year, the natives brought food to the colonists as a sign of peace. Little did they know that the colonists brought only disease to repay them. In 1616 there was a smallpox epidemic in New England, wiping out hundreds of natives.
Pequot War
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The Pequot War took place in 1634-38. It was a conflict between the Pequot natives and the colonists of Massachusetts, Saybrook and Plymouth colonies. Between 6-700 natives were killed, and others sold as slaves in the West Indies.
King Philip's War
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Then came King Philip's War in 1675-78. It took place between the Natives and the New England colonists. The war was named after Metacomet, the Indian chief or "King Philip", as the colonists called him. He was killed by the victorious Puritan church. The war continued until 1678 with the signing of a treaty at Casco Bay.
Other revolts such as Bacon's Rebellion took place for the sake of Native American rights, all leading up to the French and Indian War in the mid 18th century.