The Pilgrims of Plymouth colony and the native Americans were on good terms with one another. They created a treaty, traded together, and ate a massive feast which will be known as the first Thanksgiving. Although, half a century later, their friendship will no longer exist. Nathaniel Philbrick’s novel, Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War, goes in-depth on what occurred in those fifty years and even King Philip’s War itself. Once friends who heavily relied on each other would become enemies in arguably the deadliest war of North America. The reasoning behind the outbreak of this devastating war was due to Philip’s growing hatred of the pilgrims that would eventually make him burst. The death of Massasoit would allow Alexander, his eldest son, to assume leadership of the Pokanokets. There were disturbing rumors that the new leader was joining forces with an enemy native tribe. When Alexander did not come to Plymouth court as asked, Josiah Winslow was to bring him in. After the meeting, Alexander suddenly fell ill and died a few days later. Philip, Alexander’s younger brother placed blame on the English and was “convinced that Winslow had poisoned the sachem” (Philbrick …show more content…
But two important events would cause Philip to explode into fury. First of two was the betrayal of his translator, Sassamon. Philip was ever so unhappy to find out that somebody he deeply trusted would deceive him. Years later in 1675, Sassamon was murdered and a trial was held against Tobias, his son, and his friend; they were found guilty and executed. This event was more-or-less, Philip’s breaking point and war would begin. In the epilogue of Philbrick’s novel, he mentions that “Indeed, it was callous prosecution of Tobias and the others, for Sassamon’s murder, that triggered the outbreak of the violence.” (347). Philip used this opportunity to strike and fulfill their anxiety and anger-filled