On This Day
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Native Americans surrender to the British during Pontiac's War of Odawa Chief Pontiac

Pontiac's War (also known as Pontiac's Conspiracy or Pontiac's Rebellion) was launched in 1763 by a confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region...

Pontiac's War (also known as Pontiac's Conspiracy or Pontiac's Rebellion) was launched in 1763 by a confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War (1754–1763). Warriors from numerous nations joined in an effort to drive British soldiers and settlers out of the region. The war is named after Odawa leader Pontiac, the most prominent of many Indigenous leaders in the conflict.

The war began in May 1763 when Native Americans, alarmed by policies imposed by British General Jeffery Amherst, attacked a number of British forts and settlements. Nine forts were destroyed, and hundreds of colonists were killed or captured, with many more fleeing the region.

Historical Significance

Pontiac's War (also known as Pontiac's Conspiracy or Pontiac's Rebellion) was launched in 1763 by a confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War (1754–1763).

Events Before

  1. Treaty of Paris ends the French-Indian War, France agrees to surrender Canada to Great Britain

    The Treaty of Paris, also known as the Treaty of 1763, was signed on 10 February 1763 by the kingdoms of Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal in agreement, following Great Britain and…

  2. Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Sev

    Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Seven Years' War

  3. Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (42) weds second wife Rebecca Prescott (20)

    Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (42) weds second wife Rebecca Prescott (20)

  4. Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris

    Philosopher Marquis de Sade (22) weds Renee Pelagie de Montreuil in Paris

  5. George III of Great Britain issues the Proclamation of 1763, closing lands in North America north and west of the Allegh

    George III of Great Britain issues the Proclamation of 1763, closing lands in North America north and west of the Alleghenies to white settlement

Events After

  1. First direct British tax on American colonists, the Stamp Act, is passed by the British Parliament led by Prime Minister

    First direct British tax on American colonists, the Stamp Act, is passed by the British Parliament led by Prime Minister George Grenville

  2. Britain enacts Quartering Act, required colonists to provide temporary housing to British soldiers

    Britain enacts Quartering Act, required colonists to provide temporary housing to British soldiers

  3. 1st North American medical college opens in Philadelphia

    Philadelphia ( FIL-ə-DEL-fee-ə), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

  4. HMS Victory launched; Admiral Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar, 40 years later

    HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate wooden sailing ship of the line. With 248 years of service as of 2026, she is the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission.

  5. Fire destroys a large part of Montreal, Quebec

    Fire destroys a large part of Montreal, Quebec

More from the 1760s

Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat

Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat

Third Battle of Panipat: In one of the largest battles of the 18th century, the mostly Muslim Afghan Durrani Empire defe

Third Battle of Panipat: In one of the largest battles of the 18th century, the mostly Muslim Afghan Durrani Empire defeats the mostly Hindu Maratha Empire in northern India. An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people are killed in the fighting, and about 40,000 Maratha prisoners are massacred afterward.

Treaty of Paris ends the French-Indian War, France agrees to surrender Canada to Great Britain

The Treaty of Paris, also known as the Treaty of 1763, was signed on 10 February 1763 by the kingdoms of Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal in agreement, following Great Britain and…

Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Sev

Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Seven Years' War

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on November 16, 1764?
Pontiac's War (also known as Pontiac's Conspiracy or Pontiac's Rebellion) was launched in 1763 by a confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War (1754–1763). Warriors from numerous nations joined in an effort to drive British soldiers and settlers out of the region. The war is named after Odawa leader Pontiac, the most prominent of many Indigenous leaders in the conflict.
Why is Native Americans surrender to the British during Pontiac's War of Odawa Chief... significant?
Pontiac's War (also known as Pontiac's Conspiracy or Pontiac's Rebellion) was launched in 1763 by a confederation of Native Americans who were dissatisfied with British rule in the Great Lakes region following the French and Indian War (1754–1763).

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November 16 in HistoryYear 1764