Date of Award

1-1973

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Abstract

During the American Revolution, the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy-Malecite and Micmac Indian tribes were, a potentially powerful force in Maine and Nova Scotia. The white population of the region was small and scattered, and colonial leaders feared that the tribes would repeat their actions of the past wars, during which they had seriously harassed the frontiers. The officials of Nova Scotia and Massachusetts accordingly embarked upon a program to win the support of the Indians and to spare colonial settlements from attack. Both governments were sure that their opponents were trying to promote Indian warfare, and the resulting rivalry fed upon itself as each side secured minor victories. Both efforts were handicapped by serious problems, and neither side was able to defeat the other. The tribes were dependent upon goods and supplies secured from both sides and were forced to maintain relations with both contending parties.

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