In the early years of their settlement in America, the Puritans were relatively friendly toward the Native Americans. They established trade relations with them and even intermarried with them. However, as the Puritan population grew and their settlements expanded, tensions began to rise. The Puritans increasingly saw the Native Americans as a threat to their land and their way of life.
In 1637, the Pequot War broke out between the Puritans and the Pequot tribe. The war was a disaster for the Pequots, who were virtually annihilated. This victory gave the Puritans a sense of superiority over the Native Americans and reinforced their belief that they were the chosen people of God.
In the years that followed, the Puritans continued to expand their settlements and to push the Native Americans out of their land. They also continued to try to convert the Native Americans to Christianity, but with limited success.
By the end of the 17th century, the Puritans had established a dominant position in New England. The Native Americans had been either defeated or driven out of the region. The Puritan attitude toward Native Americans had been a mixture of fear, hatred, and contempt.