The Puritans' complex relationship with Native Americans reveals both religious devotion and moral failures in early American history. While initially establishing peaceful trade and diplomatic relations with Native peoples, their actions led to devastating conflicts and atrocities.

The Pequot War of 1636-1637 marked a turning point. Following relatively minor conflicts, Puritan forces launched a devastating attack on Fort Mystic, killing 400-700 Pequots, including women and children. Religious leaders justified this massacre through biblical interpretation, viewing it as God's judgment on "heathens."

Missionary efforts followed, led by John Eliot, who learned Native languages and established "praying towns" where Native converts lived under Christian governance. By 1674, there were 14 praying towns in Massachusetts with approximately 1,100 inhabitants, and additional settlements in Plymouth Colony housed 3,400 more.

King Philip's War (1675) proved catastrophic for Native peoples. Despite some praying Indians remaining loyal to the colonists, growing colonial distrust led to their internment on Boston harbor islands. The war ended with thousands of Native deaths, widespread displacement, and many sold into slavery.

The Puritan legacy reveals a complex intersection of sincere religious conviction and cultural imperialism. While successful in converting many Natives to Christianity, their methods often involved violence and coercion. Christian Indians faced persistent discrimination, treated as second-class inhabitants despite sharing the colonists' faith.

This history demonstrates how religious conviction can both inspire positive change and justify grave injustices. The Puritans were neither pure heroes nor villains, but complex individuals whose actions continue to influence American society and religious discourse today.

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