Although there are people who argue that the Pequot War was premeditated genocide, I agree with author Steven T. Katz and his argument that in the Pequot War of 1637 the English colonists were simply protecting themselves. Contrary to popular belief the Pequot War was not about racism; it is very important to understand that the war did not occur because the English were intent on killing the Indians simply because they were Indians, although the English did view them through racial stereotypes. For example, the Narragansett formed an alliance with the English in October 1636, which shows real collaboration between these two groups. But shortly after this small collaboration began the Mohegan, the Massachusetts and River Tribes joined the British-Indian alliance, and were joined later by the Mohawks. This war was solely for the survival of the English colonies. Though all of this greatly impacted the relationship between the English colonists and the American Indians and in the time that followed there were several English colonists murdered by the Pequot, real war did not break out until John Oldham was murdered in 1636. During the time between 1634 and 1636 as aforementioned there were several English colonists murdered by the Pequot, and those guilty of these crimes remained unpunished, abolishing the terms of the treaty that they agreed to and signed themselves. Also at this time there was a rumor that the Pequot did not trust the English and threatened to attack the English and their allies. The English put forth effort to negotiate, but these efforts failed and a war began. Ninety Englishmen, led by John Endecott, participated in a raid to warn and punish the Indians on Block Island for their actions. During this raid the area was destroyed and several Indians were wounded and one killed. The Pequot then raided the English several times killing nine people and capturing two women during an attack and killing around thirty other c