In the pre-dawn hours of February 29, 1704, a force of about 300 French and Native allies launched a daring raid on the English settlement of Deerfield, Massachusetts, situated in the Pocumtuck homeland. One hundred and twelve Deerfield men, women, and children were captured and taken on a 300-mile forced march to Canada in the depths of a harsh winter. Some of the captives were later redeemed and returned to Deerfield, but one-third freely chose to remain among their French and Native captors.
Why should we study what happened at Deerfield?
First, it is a fascinating story and one that is too often ignored in history texts. (Does Foner mention it?)
Second, it brings together in one place several key themes in our course so far, crystallizing them and making them more understandable.
In this Discussion Topic, please examine the Raid on Deerfield website and learn about this complex and revealing event. This site has pictures, maps, and fascinating bio’s of the actors who took part in the Raid and their captives. Before you go, however, read the following questions and answer them as you tour the website.
- What caused the Deerfield Raid? List and discuss at least three causes.
- Who were the key actors in the Raid and what did they seek?
- What key themes come together in the Deerfield Raid story that Foner has examined in our text so far? Listthree and discuss each theme separately.
- Finally, was this pre-dawn assault in contested lands an unprovoked, brutal attack on an innocent village of English settlers? Or was it a justified military action against a stockaded settlement in a Native homeland? If the answer appears obvious, you have not truly examined the website carefully or put yourself in the shoes of these historical figures and seen the world through their eyes. Please do.
Click http://1704.deerfield.history.museum/ to go to the Deerfield website.
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