The early colonists hoped to maintain peaceful relations with the Native Americans. They needed the help of the locals to survive in an unfamiliar land, as they were few in number and vulnerable. The Mayflower colonists, in particular, were cautious not to anger the indigenous people, fearing fatal consequences. They treated the Native Americans with the utmost respect, almost like servants to their masters, because gaining trust and assistance was essential for survival.

The Native Americans, still living in a Stone Age society, were initially astonished by the large European ships arriving from the sea, having never seen such objects before. They regarded the newcomers as almost divine beings. Early relations between Europeans and Native Americans were courteous and mutually respectful. The kind and simple-hearted Native Americans provided food and guidance during the settlers’ first harsh winters, teaching them how to farm and adapt to the environment. The European survivors were deeply grateful for this life-saving assistance, and Thanksgiving originally included giving thanks to the Native Americans.

Over time, the colonists’ desire for land grew. Initially, the land was vast, and the Native Americans were not worried, even teaching the settlers how to cultivate crops. However, as European settlers increased year after year, they occupied more land, cut down trees, built fences, and demanded that the Native Americans not enter these areas.

Diseases brought further friction. European settlers brought smallpox and other common European illnesses to the Americas. Indigenous peoples had no immunity, and many died. Initial Native American compassion turned to suspicion, mistrust, and ultimately hostility, leading to violent attacks against European settlers.

In 1622, in Virginia, a Native American massacre occurred. The chief organized a series of surprise attacks, killing 347 colonists, about one-third of the population in Jamestown. Victims included men, women, and children; homes were burned, crops destroyed, and over 20 women were captured as Native American slaves. The colonists later retaliated by poisoning over 200 Native Americans.

Between 1675 and 1676, in New England, the King Philip’s War broke out. King Philip (Metacomet) was a Native American leader. This bloody conflict caused massive casualties on both sides and lasted nearly two years. Early in the war, King Philip’s forces executed several successful ambushes, killing nearly 200 colonial soldiers. However, within a year, the tide turned: Philip’s ammunition ran low, food supplies dwindled, and his camps relied on river fishing. Allied tribes fractured, and the colonists, with better weapons and sufficient provisions, concentrated forces for a counterattack. Eventually, King Philip’s forces were reduced to guerrilla raids.

The war was devastating: of 90 colonial settlements, 52 were attacked, 25 raided, 17 burned; 1,200 farmhouses and 13 towns were destroyed; 8,000 livestock killed. Over 600 colonial soldiers and 2,000 civilians died, and Native Americans lost around 2,000 in battle, with disease claiming even more lives. King Philip’s tribe, initially about 15,000 strong, suffered massive population loss due to war and disease.

In 1676, King Philip was killed, ending the war. A peace treaty was signed in 1678.

The war demonstrates that while Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the Americas, attempting to maintain unchanging land-use practices and resisting the tide of colonization was unsustainable. Tragically, King Philip’s violent and tragic approach caused severe losses on both sides.