The American Holocaust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The American Holocaust - Essay Example To name a few of them – King Phillip’s War, (1675–76) King William’s War, (1689–97) Queen Anne’s War, (1702–13) King George’s War, 1744–48), and the French and Indian War (1754–63) (John Demos, American Heritage Magazine) All these wars took a heavy toll on England in terms of money, time and bloodshed. Some of the targeted places were Lancaster and Haverhill, Salmon Falls and Oyster River, York and Wells, Maine, in addition to the single most hideous and notorious â€Å"massacre† of Deerfield, Massachusetts. (John Demos, American Heritage Magazine) This was yet another European war which had a â€Å"colonial† dimension that occurred in 1704. Together with their Indian allies, the French made a few devastating raids on the â€Å"eastern frontier† and this was counter attacked by the English who targeted about six Abenaki Indian villages. Deerfield had strengthened its position to protect itself by building a â€Å"stockade† (an area which was fortified and surrounded by a high palisade fence) a â€Å"watch† to patrol along the streets during the nights, a â€Å"garrison† of soldiers who were hired in addition to scouts who patrolled the woods. The French led the attack with war paint and weapons on the sleepy town of Deerfield on the night of 28th February. A group of the attackers get down into the stockade and opened the door for the other to enter. It was too late for anything because the attackers broke down windows and doors sending people helter and skelter to try and save themselves. In a few moments there was massive devastation and gruesome killings of men, women and children. Rev. John Williams and his family were captured and taken as captives. There were 92 captives in all and those who found it difficult to cope were shot down or murdered with a hatchet. Life in New England took on a different perspective as relatives and friends made great efforts to secure their release. A few of them