It would spread across southern New England with extraordinary speed.

PART FIVE — A WAR THAT WAS BIGGER THAN ITS NAME

Calling the conflict King Philip’s War can create the impression that Metacom commanded a single unified Indigenous army.

The reality was far more complicated.

Native nations entered the conflict for different reasons.

Some joined because they believed English expansion threatened their lands.

Some were drawn in because of alliances.

Others sought revenge for earlier attacks.