The Paxton Boys: The Conestoga Massacre Explained

The video explores the Conestoga Massacre of 1763, where the Paxton Boys, a group of settlers, attacked and killed Native Americans in Pennsylvania. The massacre was fueled by tensions between settlers and Native Americans post-French and Indian War. The Quaker-founded Pennsylvania faced a shift in attitudes as the Paxton Boys, led by Reverend John Elder, sought to eliminate Native Americans. Despite warrants for their arrest, the Paxton Boys were never punished. The event highlighted the growing unrest leading to the American Revolution and the power of media in shaping public opinion.

What role did the Quakers play in the context of the Paxton Boys and their actions?

In what ways did the Paxton Boys' actions reflect the attitudes of settlers towards Native Americans during this period?

What were the long-term effects of the Conestoga Massacre on Pennsylvania and its governance?