Burrows, Laurence War on the Turtle's Back

Indigenous Peoples During the Period of the Seven Years War in North America, 1752-1766

Volume 154 of the series From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 examines all the campaigns waged by the forest Indians of North America during the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War) and beyond, from 1752 to 1766. Using contemporary documents and reports, recorded oral testimonies, research papers and published works by local scholars and others, the book reveals the wars from the different perspectives of the indigenous peoples, focusing on their motives and military involvement from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi Valley. In fact, consensual decisions by sovereign tribal nations that were unacceptable to French or British officials ultimately led to war between these European powers. To enhance understanding of the role of the Forest Indians during the French and Indian War, War on the Turtle's Back provides contextual background information on daily life, government, beliefs, clothing, and the way war was waged, from the formation of a war party to their return home. Details are provided about training, organisation, the role of women, campaigns, and the tactics actually used (as opposed to those depicted in novels, films, and the media). In addition to descriptions of the clothing fashions of the time, contemporary illustrations and photographs provide insight into the appearance of the indigenous peoples. The book is aimed particularly at those interested in history in general, military history, the history of colonial America, and the history and culture of Native Americans. The book is also useful for wargamers who want to simulate the warfare of the Native peoples of that period on the tabletop, as well as for modellers who are interested in clothing and equipment.