History of the Conspiracy of Pontiac

by Francis Parkman

The conquest of Canada was an event of momentous consequence in American history. It changed the political aspect of the continent, prepared a way for the independence of the British colonies, rescued the vast tracts of the interior from the rule of military despotism, and gave them, eventually, to the keeping of an ordered democracy. Yet to the red natives of the soil its results were wholly disastrous. Could the French have maintained their ground, the ruin of the Indian tribes might long have been postponed; but the victory of Quebec was the signal of their swift decline...

Genres: History, Canada, Nonfiction

364 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1851

About the author

Francis Parkman was an American historian.

He is best known as author of The Oregon Trail: Sketches of Prairie and Rocky-Mountain Life and his seven-volume France and England in North America. These works are still valued as historical sources and as literature. He was also a leading horticulturist, briefly a Professor of Horticulture at Harvard University and author of several books on the topic.

Parkman was a trustee of the Boston Athenæum from 1858 until his death in 1893.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wars fought in North America before the USA was formed are in many ways more interesting historically than the American Revolutionary War or Civil War which have generated far more books. They were every bit as ferocious and deadly. This volume, which is actually two books published in 1851, chronicles two of them. The first book: The Conspiracy of Pontiac is worthy of 4 or 5 stars, an extremely well-written work of non-fiction describing the war between France and Britain for control of North America. (All of the action takes place in present-day Northeast, Ohio Valley, and Canada.) Even if you are well-educated, you will learn something from this account about North American history, Indians and be reminded how much of North America was French before this war. It reads very well, almost as exciting as fiction.

The second book is about 'the Indian War after the Conquest of Canada' as the title implies. The French are now gone and the Indians' wars against the British colonists of North America are described. Most of the action takes place in present-day northeast US down to Pennsylvania. The beginning of this second book is very interesting but it eventually grows wearisome as it is almost too extraordinarily detailed (and depressing) about the series of Indian depredations and British losses. But if you ever wanted to understand frontier life with the Indians before the US was formed and learn more about the Indian tribes, this is a great book to read.

2026 Update: For all you history lovers like all my wonderful Michaels, Mike and Mikey goodreads friends, books from gutenberg.org can now be downloaded in any format for free so you don't have to buy them or convert them for your e-reader.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely 3 stars.

The thing I liked most about this is the extensive research that seemed to be done. Given the time period it was written, I didn't expect that. (He included footnotes with his sources.) I was also impressed that he didn't write like all Indians were bad and all white people were good. He outlined a lot more Indian atrocities than white ones, but there were times that he acknowledged that the Indians had a point and that the whites weren't always in the right. That really surprised me.

However, it was very long, and very dry. I didn't really feel like I came away from this with a great understanding of Pontiac's War, which was disappointing.

[Jerry Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star review of "The Conspiracy of Pontiac" Again, I love the writing of Francis Parkman, and the period of research from the French influence to the English settlers and the expansion from the east coast to the Mississippi. Wonderful history, the battles of the French and the narratives of the commanders who fought for the rights to the new land. Highly recommended again. I did not know that Pontiac was assassinated in Cahokia. Wonderful history and language to absorb.