The Colonial Wars, 1689-1762

by Howard Henry Peckham

Although the colonial wars consisted of almost continuous raids and skirmishes between the English and French colonists and their Indian allies and enemies, they can be separated into four major conflicts, corresponding to four European wars of which they were, in varying degrees, a King William's War (1689-97) (War of the League of Augsburg); Queen Anne's War (1702-13) (War of the Spanish Succession); King George's War (1744-48) (War of the Austrian Succession); and The French and Indian War (1755-62) (Seven Years' War).

Mr. Peckham chronicles the events of these wars, summarizing the struggle for empire in America among France, England, and Spain. He indicates how the colonists applied the experience they gained from fighting Indians to their engagements with European powers. And what they learned from the colonial wars they translated into a political philosophy that led to independence and self-government.

The ready involvement of the colonies in European ambitions, the success and failure of co-operation between colony and mother country, the efforts of the English colonies together, and the growing differences between them and Britain give the narrative continuity and rising excitement.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, American History, Ebooks

266 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was printed as one of a series edited by Daniel J Boorstin called The Chicago History of American Civilization which I think would have been aimed at undergraduate general history classes. It crams a lot of history into slightly over 200 pages as it covers the conflicts in Colonial America between 1689 and 1762 including clashes between Native Americans and the English Colonies but also between the English and French colonies and their respective Native American allies. The text reads easily and well even as it is packed with information though written as an overview and not a detailed recounting of these events. The text is supported by two maps which together span Louisiana to Florida, and the Gulf Coast to the Upper St Lawrence River out past Cape Breton Island, a roughly 3 page chronology of important events and dates, and a five page essay on recommended further readings. There are no foot notes, end notes, or bibliography though the readings essay perhaps makes up for that. The tone of the writing may also strike today's reader as a bit out of date given the author's comparison of Catholic monarchies to incipient Protestant Republics - though perhaps I'm over interpreting the relevant passages.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm convinced that one cannot understand the American Revolution without understanding the background and implications of King William's War (1689-97), Queen Anne's War (1702-13), King George's War (1744-48), and the French and Indian War (1755-62). Understanding the colonists' views on the perpetual fighting against Indians on a brutal frontier, French encroachments, colony cooperation (even though the Albany Plan was never adopted), subsequent Parliamentary taxation despite colonial burgesses attempts to have some self-autonomy, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 prohibiting movement into the Ohio River Valley despite the blood and treasure spent to secure it for the Crown, the British officer corps' disdain of colonial militia despite failings of British regulars, and the Quebec Act of 1774 which gave significant portions of newly conquered land to Canada, guaranteed free practice of Catholicism and allowed the Church to impose tithes, along with allowance of French private law vis-a-vis English common law were all extremely significant for the revolutionary mindset in the 1770s in the Colonies.

[Lee Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for a historical survey of the facts of the time period, but an even better resource for tying together the background, political forces, and the cultural, economic, and native influences from 1689 to 1762.

The Aftermath is a concise analysis of the changes in Anglo-American life as a result of these wars that were overflows of European conflicts. Lays an excellent foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the lead up to the American Revolution.

Very highly recommended.

[Jon Gautier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, short, well-written, old-school military history. Comprehensive of its subject, it is written with some wit and serves as a nice reference, or base for further study. Not really the kind of military history that is favored these days, but it serves it purpose. Two decent general maps are included and are inclusive and helpful.

[Yunis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four Colonial Wars reshaped the landscape of the North America. Great book that covers the battles throughout the continent.

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a very interesting summary of the small wars that took place during American Colonial times - the largest and most significant being the French & Indian War.

[Tomasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This might have been a solid introduction to the subject, but it is unmercifully aged, and dated. A pity.

[reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, if somewhat bland military history text about the conflict that shaped America. The author does a good job getting this point across and arguing it effectively as he portrays the French And Indian Wars (emphasis on the plural) as mere North American theaters of some of the worlds first global conflicts.

The only thing holding the author back is that, while I learned a lot, none of it was particularly arresting and some of the language (the word Savage is used by the author many times) was so dated that it took me out of it.

Nevertheless it was an informative jaunt through Tricorner Hat Vietnam, guerrilla wars full of raids and search-and-destroy missions fought with blades and muskets. When George Washington showed up I did the Leonardo DiCaprio Pointing Gif.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine introduction to an unpopular period of American history; this 73 year period covers four wars among Britain, France, Spain, and the American Indians in North America. It ends with the Treaty of Paris (1763), and by then you'll see why the author states that European "legal claims to unoccupied lands based only on exploration" were tenuous, and that "inevitably it was up to the colonists themselves to make their own boundaries by the drift of their settlements" (pp. 210-211). Much of America's drift from England can be seen here too; whereas the time period of Bernard Bailyn's The Barbarous Years ends with the "British Americans," here the Americans have begun to understand their own identity with the native Englishman regarded as "almost a foreigner."

[Gary Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at the used book store in Denton, TX. It was published in 1964, so is half a century old but still a great read. After reading this book I can now understand better the attitudes and feelings of the colonies during our war of independence. It was also fascinating reading about the involvement of my ancestor Christopher Gist in supporting George Washington when Washington was a Virginia militia officer.

[Dawn Todhunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5