Tensions between New England colonists and Native peoples

Timeline

1. 1670Bristol (Pokanoket territory) · Rhode IslandAround 1670 Wampanoag sachem Metacom (called King Philip by the colonists) faced persistent questioning of his succession rights and judicial jurisdiction by colonial authorities. His brother Alexander had died suddenly after being summoned by a colonial court, and the tribe widely suspected the colonists of poisoning, completely breaking mutual trust.
2. 1670Frontier of Massachusetts Bay Colony · MassachusettsColonists continually encroached on Indigenous land through land-purchase contracts and court judgments, while missionary experiments like "Praying Towns" also caused internal tribal divisions. Scattered incidents of violence increased in 1670, the United Colonies of New England began strengthening armed readiness, and both sides recognized that full-scale confrontation might be imminent.