Metacom’s (King Philip’s) War: The Remaking of Colonial Identity

Between 1675 and 1676, the Native Americans of southern New England engaged in armed conflict with colonial English settlers. Wampanoag leader Metacom, also known by the English name King Philip, was one of several Indigenous leaders who led revolts against the colonists in reaction to a growing number of settlers on Indigenous territory. In this lesson, students will examine maps and primary sources to analyze how colonial expansion leading to Metacom’s (King Philip’s) War also shifted the perception of identity and power.