King William’s War 1689–97

King William’s War took place in 1689–97 between the French territory of New France and British colonies in New York and New England. Conflict between France and Britain, when James II was overthrown by William II and given sanctuary by King Louis XIV, triggered the war, which was then carried over into the colonies. The English, allying themselves with the Iroquois Confederacy, blocked French trade and passage to the south. The French allied themselves to the Wabanaki Confederacy (the Abenakis), who destroyed Schenectady, New York. Major General William Phips led New England forces into Acadia, where they took the French fort at Port Royal. After the war ended in Europe the Treaty of Ryswick was drawn up, a condition being that New England return the Port Royal fort to the French. The peoples of New England felt that this was an unfair demand, creating tension with Britain, who had negotiated the treaty.