The Connecticut River

The 1630s were a period of great unrest along the Connecticut River as various Native American groups battled for political power and control of trade with the English and Dutch. English Indian relations during the 1600's was a relationship that ultimately proved to fail because of the brutal tactics used by both sides, superior colonial weaponry, and a reluctance to give land to the colonials.

First, the tactics used in the Pequot War was far to brutal for relations between English and Indians during the 1600's. Initially, both sides attempted to be friendly with one another in an attempt to prevent a war and many people dying. However, peaceful negotiations failed, due to the tactics used by both sides. Both sides attempted to assert their interests almost immediately. The English wanted to distance themselves from any threat to becoming a colonial power. The competition in North America was already fierce, the Indians only added to the problem. The Indians, on the other hand, just wanted to keep the land they previously owned. Another tactic and large interest for the English was mercantilism. The goal for the English was to outperform other European countries. In fact, the English initially came over to Jamestown looking for gold so they could beat out France and Spain. The goal was to make Britain's empire larger and more powerful than ever before, the Indians stood in British's way. The Indians were fearful of losing their way of life. When these interests met, brutal tactics were surely to ensue.

According to Document C, the English used a brutal tactic by setting fire to Pequot villages. It's obvious that the English were willing to do anything to take down Pequot villages. These brutal wars resulted in many deaths of Pequot and colonials. The colonials weren't the only ones who used brutal tactics in an attempt to defeat the opposing side. In document B, it says that the Indians would initially arrive with peace and no harm. The Indians would look to trade with the colonials. They would trade things such as deer, turkey, fish and fur. However, things would turn violent and the Pequots would murder the colonials, no matter what they're age or gender was.

Also, the defeat of the Indians was inevitable due to the superior weaponry and technology. Indians also faced the serious threat of colonial diseases. As the English arrived in North America, the Indians almost immediately became