Colonial-Indian relations 8

By 1640, British colonies were established along the New England coast and the Chesapeake Bay, while the Dutch and a small Swedish community were in between. Native Americans, also known as Indians, interacted with these settlers, experiencing both benefits and challenges. Early trade with Europeans provided Native Americans with valuable tools and goods, but also introduced diseases and threatened their land. Some tribes, like the Iroquois, began focusing on fur trapping due to European demand. Native-American relations were complex, with instances of cooperation and conflict. Key events include:

• 1622: A significant uprising in Virginia led to the death of 347 settlers.

• 1637: The Pequot War erupted due to white settlement in Connecticut.

• 1675: King Philip attempted to unite southern New England tribes against European encroachment but was killed, leading to further losses for Native Americans.

The Iroquois formed a powerful league in the 1570s, with a council to manage common issues, and played a vital role in trade and warfare until the American Revolution, where internal divisions led to their decline.