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After the French and Indian War, Native Americans who had been allies of the defeated French found themselves increasingly dissatisfied with the attitudes and policies of the victorious British. In essence, while the French had treated certain Indian tribes as allies, the British approach was to treat them as subjects.
The architect of the new Indian policy, British General Jeffrey Amherst, decided to cut back on the gifts and provisions customarily distributed to the Indians, which he considered to be “bribes.” Amherst also outlawed the sale of alcohol to Indians, which created much resentment. Additionally, the French had made gunpowder and ammunition readily available, which were needed by the Indians to hunt to provide food for their families and skins for trade. However, Amherst did not trust his former Indian adversaries, and restricted the distribution of gunpowder and ammunition. Pontiac and other Indian leaders were certain that the British intended to enslave or destroy them.
At the same time, a religious awakening was sweeping through Indian settlements in the Ohio Country and Great Lakes region. At the center of this phenomenon was Neolin, called the Delaware Prophet, who called upon Indians to shun the trade goods, alcohol, and weapons of the whites. Merging elements from Christianity into his traditional religious beliefs, Neolin told his followers that the Master of Life was unhappy with the way that the Indians had been living, and that changes needed to be made. It was a powerful message for people who had fallen on hard times.
The rebellion began at Fort Detroit under the leadership of Pontiac, and quickly spread to other British forts in the region. Eight forts fell to Indian attackers; others, including Fort Detroit and Fort Pitt, were unsuccessfully besieged. While it is tempting to conclude that this uprising was coordinated as part of a grand operation, historian Gregory Dowd argues that there is no reliable evidence of this. Likewise, although it was widely assumed at the time that Frenchmen were involved in the “conspiracy,” this is a matter of speculation as well. Rather than the product of a master plan, it is possible that Pontiac’s Rebellion evolved spontaneously, as Pontiac’s actions at Detroit inspired other already discontented Indians to similarly take up arms against the British.
On April 27, 1763, Pontiac spoke at a council about 10 miles below Detroit. Using the words of Neolin to inspire his listeners, Pontiac convinced a number of Ottawas, Ojibwas, Potawatomis, and Hurons to join him in an attempt to seize Fort Detroit. On May 7May 7 is the 127th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (128th in leap years). There are 238 days remaining. Events 558 In Constantinople, the dome of the Hagia Sophia collapses. Justinian immediately orders the dome rebuilt. 1274 In France the Secon, Pontiac entered the fort with about 300 men, armed with sawed-off muskets and other weapons hidden under blankets, determined to take the fort by surprise. However, the British commander had apparently been informed of Pontiac’s plan, and the garrison of about 120 men was armed and ready. Pontiac withdrew and, two days later, laid siege to the fort. A number of British soldiers and settlers in the area outside the fort were captured or killed. Eventually more than 900 Indian warriors from a half-dozen tribes joined the siege.
Late in July, British reinforcements arrived at Fort Detroit. On July 31July 31 is the 212th day (213th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 153 days remaining, as the final day of July. Events 1423 Hundred Years War: Battle of Cravant The French army is defeated at Cravant on the banks of the river Yonn, 1763, about 250 men attempted to make a surprise attack on Pontiac’s encampment. Pontiac was ready and waiting, and defeated the British at the Battle of Bloody Run . However, the situation at the fort remained a stalemate, and Pontiac’s influence among his followers began to wane. Groups of Indians began to abandon the siege, some of them making peace with the British before departing. On October 31October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 61 days remaining. Events 475 Romulus Augustus was proclaimed Roman Emperor. 1517 Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the door of the Wi, 1763, finally convinced that the French in Illinois would not come to his aid, Pontiac lifted the siege and removed to the Maumee RiverThe Maumee River begins in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it is formed by the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers. From there, it meanders through more than 130 river miles of glacial moraine before emptying into Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio's Maum, where he continued to scheme against the British.