What caused Pontiac's Rebellion?
Quick Answer
After the French and Indian War, Pontiac's Rebellion was ignited by growing tension between American Indians and the British government when the latter took control of lands and trade surrendered by the French. The indigenous tribes feared their lands and hunting grounds would be overrun by colonial settlers and reacted to increasing signs that the British government wouldn't be as compromising as the French.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
The rebellion was organized in 1762 by Chief Pontiac, an Ottawa tribesman who appealed to tribal leaders from Mississippi to Lake Superior for support in resisting British control. Pontiac intended for each tribe to capture the closest fort and meet up to eliminate any remaining undefended settlements. Pontiac's military strategy resulted in eight forts being captured, and tribal forces were successful at wiping out many frontier settlements.
Pontiac's own forces were responsible for taking a fort in Detroit by pretending to pursue a treaty. The siege met with organized resistance when Major Henry Gladwin found out about the surprise attack and rallied troops before Pontiac arrived. However, Pontiac was still able to overtake the fort on July 31 at the Battle of Bloody Run until British reinforcements drove him to withdraw in late October. Pontiac's Rebellion lasted until July 1766 when Chief Pontiac settled a peace treaty with the British.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the significance of Bacon's Rebellion?
A: Bacon's Rebellion was a conflict, which occurred in Jamestown, VA, some people believe to be the first act of colonial defiance leading up to the American ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What did Shay's Rebellion convince many Americans they were in need of?
A: Shay's Rebellion convinced American politicians and citizens that the Articles of Confederation needed to be heavily revised. When lawmakers began to write... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What was the outcome of Shays' Rebellion?
A: Shays' Rebellion lasted for a little more than a year and ended with Shays' defeat by General Benjamin Lincoln's state militia. Although it was relatively ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Why did Daniel Shays lead a rebellion?
A: Daniel Shays was the symbolic leader of Shays' Rebellion, which was started as a protest by Massachusetts farmers against high taxes and prison sentences f... Full Answer >Filed Under:
