Queen Anne’s War

England and France spent much of the 17th and 18th centuries struggling for control of Europe’s economy and political landscape, and at various points this rivalry escalated into full-scale war. In 1700 when King of Spain Carlos II died, leaving the grandson of France’s King Louis XIV as his heir, Spain was brought firmly under France’s control and French power radically increased. England and its allies found Carlos II’s will unacceptable and declared war on France in 1701. This became known as the War of the Spanish Succession. The conflict quickly spread to the North American colonies, where it was known as Queen Anne’s War after the newly-crowned Queen of England. Both the French and English Colonial governments called on Native American allies to join them in attacking enemy settlements. Residents of Deerfield, Massachusetts, felt the full force of this conflict during the raid on Deerfield on February 29, 1704, when a force of about 300 French and Native allies attacked and burned the town. Forty-one English and six allies were killed, and 112 men, women, and children were captured and taken on a 300-mile forced march to Canada in harsh winter conditions. By 1713 England had gained the upper hand over France, winning both new territory and trade concessions in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713).

John Stebbins (1647-1724) Marker. View this item in the Online Collection.

Details

Date1701–1713
EventQueen Anne’s War. 1701–1713