Was King Philip's War Justified?

From 1675-1676, the New England region was consumed by an abnormally large amount of conflict and tension. A specific battle took place between the Puritans and the Native American Indians, and it became known as King Philip’s War. It was one of the most bloody and violent encounters that has ever transpired in American history. The war has been analyzed and studied by historians for decades, which still have not been able to conclude if the battle was significant or what the legacy was. People have argued if Metacom’s actions were favorable and fair; the effects of his decisions on the opinions of the survivors and Puritans have also been debated. His actions were justified because of the unfair advances the Puritans took, but his choice for …show more content…
He tried to follow the footsteps of their father, Massasoit, who first welcomed and wanted to form an alliance with the Puritans. During King Alexander’s duration as the leader, he made countless trips to negotiate with the colonists. He unexpectedly died in the Puritan land when he went to discuss matters with the English leaders. Metacom received his brother’s power after the loss, and openly distrusted the Puritans. Metacom’s reign was the beginning of an inevitable collision that would determine which group of occupants will overtake the …show more content…
He was one of the Indians who converted to Christianity. He had close relations with both the Indians and the Puritans, and was aware of Metacom’s plan to drive the colonists out of their land. Sassamon informed the colonists, and was later killed by his own people for warning the Puritans. The Puritans then convicted three Indian men for the death of Sassamon and hanged them. Now, both civilizations were sure that the collision was soon to come, so “the English were afraid and Philip was afraid, and both increased in Arms. But for forty Yeares Time, Reports and jealosys of War had bin very frequent, that we did not think that now a War was breaking forth; but about a Week before it did, we had Cause to think it would” (Document A: King Philip’s Perspective, 1). War broke out and throughout most of it, the Wampanoag Indians were very successful in overtaking the colonists. The Puritans were close to surrender because of Metacom’s guerrilla warfare strategies that led them towards victory. However, their luck changed and the English grew powerful, adapting Metacom’s clever tactics. Metacom was later captured in his hideout by the Puritans and killed. The war continued on without him, but the Indians fell to the power of the English and were practically