King Philip's War (1675 - 1676)
Tension had been building between the Wampanoag and the Plymouth colonists for years before fighting finally broke out. The colonists wanted more land and spread out without consulting the Wampanoag, who lived on the land. The war started June 23rd, 1675 in the town of Swansea. At first, King Philip's forces were winnning and he was successful at finding more allies to join his cause. Also, the fighting style of the Native Americans was very effective against the colonists because of their silent ambush tactics, which gave them major advantages over the colonists full front assault.
However, the colonists began to burn the corn fields and other crops that the Wampanoag depended on to survive. By starving them out, several of Philip's allies left his side and in the end the colonists gained the upper hand. Benjamin Church started using Philip's own battle tactics against him and in August 1676, King Philip was killed by one of his own people, who had switched sides. The war proved to be catastrophic for the Wampanoag, who lost 80% of their men in the war.
However, the colonists began to burn the corn fields and other crops that the Wampanoag depended on to survive. By starving them out, several of Philip's allies left his side and in the end the colonists gained the upper hand. Benjamin Church started using Philip's own battle tactics against him and in August 1676, King Philip was killed by one of his own people, who had switched sides. The war proved to be catastrophic for the Wampanoag, who lost 80% of their men in the war.
Timeline1660 - The death of Massasoit
1662 - The capture and death of Wamsutta 1675 (June) - A colonial boy began the war when he shot a Wampanoag in Swansea. Philip led a raid on Swansea. 1675 (July) - Peas Field Fight => A colonial loss because of Wampanoag tactics. 1675 (July) - Mohegans joined Plymouth colony against Philip. 1675 (August) - King Philip's men burned settlements along the Connecticut River. 1675 (September) - Battle of Bloody Brook => Plymouth loss and another Wampanoag ambush. 1675 (October) - Springfield is attacked and burned by King Philip's forces. 1675 (December) - Great Swamp Fight in Rhode Island => A colonial win but resulted in the deaths of many soldiers. 1676 (February) - Wampanoag raid on Plymouth. 1676 (April) - Narrangasett are defeated by colonials. 1676 (June) - King Philip's forces begin retreating west, after Benjamin Church uses Mohegan fighting tactics. 1676 (August) - Battle of Mount Hope => King Philip is killed. 1678 (April) - Treaty signed at Casco Bay that ended the war. Fun Games!Test your knowledge on King Philip's War:
http://www.purposegames.com/game/beb2e4541f/info Online Battleship Game: http://www.learn4good.com/games/board/battleship.htm Rules - Choose whether you want to be the colonists or the Wampanoags. - The colonists ships all have to be positioned right next to each other, similar to a full frontal assault. - The Wampanoag ships will be spread out anywhere along the board. Question: Which strategy worked best? |
Where it happened?Real Life Responses to King Philip's WarThe attached file contains five tests taken by fourth graders. The small test is one example of an assessment that can be used in the classroom after viewing the site.
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