The True Story Of The Siege Of Fort William Henry - History Documentary

[@ShawnRitch]

Wonderful job with this documentary. You have a great voice and articulation for these videos. Similar to James Earl Jones.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it! and thank for the wonderful compliment. James Earl Jones is in a league of his own, but nice to be compared anyway!

[@mikeyoung3499]

​@@ErikKSwansonqqqF

[@furnacefighter]

I would have bet real money that the narrator of this story was Sam Waterston. This work is really well done and well worth watching . “Last of the Mohicans” was a great story helped by great performances by Danial Day Lewis and Wes Studi, however claiming it to be historically accurate or even based on a true story would be untrue. In my European travels I wandered on to a bust of the French General Marquee de Montcalm. Unfortunately, my memory is fuzzy and I don’t recall exactly where the Marquee’s bust is currently residing.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@furnacefighter thanks, glad you enjoyed my documentary. Last of the Mohicans is a great movie, but it isn’t even accurate to the book, let alone to history

[@Anglo_Saxon1]

​@@ErikKSwansonYour voice is excellent,but I likened it to Peter Coyote,he narrated a lot of Ken Burns docs.Infact I thought it was Peter and had to check. By the way,great doc mate,you've got my subscription.👍

[@colgategilbert8067]

Thanks. The Siege of Ft William Henry was incredibly important not for the fight but in the aftermath and the British reaction to it. Up until then both the 2nd Hundred Years War and the Struggle for Control of North America had largely been in a see-saw stalemate. When news of the 'Massacre' of British POWs reached the Brits & Euromericans, they were utterly outraged. They collectively set their considerable differences aside to destroy the French Empire. This changed forever the dynamic of the fight to control North America and its history, depriving the Indigenous Peoples of competing allies to play against each other. And depriving the France Crown of enough of its overseas colonies that it eventually went bankrupt.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks for watching. It’s fascinating learning how interconnected all of these wars are

[@colgategilbert8067]

@@ErikKSwanson The interconnection of the conflicts was due to the European Imperial Systems, their causes and the converging interests of their local subjects and allies. However, there were unconnected conflicts, such as 'King Phillip's' & "Gray Locks' Wars in New England. The Europeans would try to poach each others colonies to deprive them of resources and the locals participated due European help in local conflicts.

[@thomaswayneward]

Just what would you consider a massacre? Killing women and children not enough for you?

[@Dragases6894]

No thé monarchy went bankrupt After helping Américains get their indépendance from Britain. Thé loss of North America didn't impact so much thé revenues of thé monarchy as it kept Haiti and it's fabulous sugar revenues.😊

[@colgategilbert8067]

​@@Dragases6894 While the Monarchy went bankrupt after helping in the American Revolution, it was cumulative. The loss of Canada alone was not enough. However, I believe France also lost some territory and revenues in India. The 7 Years War cost France much of its navy, which it then rebuilt. And again lost part of plus other expenses in the War of American Independence. Several Years of a poor economy in France finally pushed it over the edge.

[@Antonio-j1g]

to disarm and to leave people defenseless. I will never lay down the meaning of protection. This is the lesson learned at the end of this documentary

[@PDTeter]

I love how last of the mohicans is a historical drama yet keeps the accuracy of the events that happen during it

[@Andy_Babb]

Minus the white guy playing a Mohawk warrior lol

[@lindakay9552]

​@@Andy_Babb The only white guy in the story is is Natty Bumppo. He's a Scottish man who's parents were murdered when he was a year old and he was adopted and raised as Uncas' brother. And he was Mohican, not Mohawk.

[@Andy_Babb]

@@lindakay9552 oops

[@lindakay9552]

@Andy_Babb no worries. I only take it personally because my 9th great grandfather fought beside the real Uncas in real life. My 10th great grandfather knew Uncas' father before the whole movie events happened.

[@Andy_Babb]

@@lindakay9552 My 9th great grandfather was killed during King Philip’s War… fortunately not before my 8th great grandfathers birth 🙄 I was just being cheeky though lol you’re right, that was also pretty bad on my part to say the wrong tribe when it was literally written right there _and_ the name of the movie. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrNaKillshots]

Who needs the mainstream history channels when independent creators deliver mayerial of this quality.

[@SNP-1999]

I have seldom watched such an excellent documentary/ film on KZbin. Extremely well researched, produced and presented, it is a professional production of the highest order. Excellent work and thank you !

[@ErikKSwanson]

Wow, thank you. What a fantastic compliment. I am glad you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed researching it, and reading through all the old journals

[@Andy_Babb]

History Time, North02, History Profiles, Fortress of Lugh, History with Cy… just to name a few great channels with great content lol

[@SNP-1999]

@@Andy_Babb Thanks a lot ! I already knew one of them but the others seem to be fascinating alternatives. Will enjoy watching all of them.😊

[@Andy_Babb]

@@SNP-1999 You’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy, my friend. It took me a long time to realize that these independent historians have way better content than any of the networks out there!

[@greenjoseph4]

I covered the siege of fort William Henry in my thesis. Compared it to Abercrombie’s failed attack on Carillon … wonderful work.

[@ErikKSwanson]

That sounds like an interesting topic for the thesis. Must have been a lot of fun researching it.

[@greenjoseph4]

@@ErikKSwanson they even paid for me to travel out there and see the ground first hand.

[@ThePalaeontologist]

@@greenjoseph4 Did you ever notice the eerie similarities with the Battle of Carillon and the Battle of New Orleans?

[@Andy_Babb]

Abercrombie attacked me and all my friends in high school. Like half my photos have me in a Abercrombie hoodie 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@kempaku982]

Do you have a copy of that thesis? I would love to read it.

[@alanbierhoff6831]

I used to work in the maintenance department for the company that owned the fort restoration. I spent many, many hours in all areas of the fort. It was a part of my life I’ll never forget

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@alanbierhoff6831 wow, that must have been a great experience

[@whoto3830]

Born in Carlisle, Pa. All my ancestors are from Pa and New York. It is refreshing you presented history just as history with no side comments or skewed opinions as is constantly presented today. I was a little surprised by the high level of brutality by the Indian allies tho. But back then it was their culture during war, which is much overlooked and ignored in today's rewriting of a softer one-sided revision of history and historical facts. Truth and historical facts make a culture, nation or people a better civilization. In the end, only the dead know what actually happened.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@stuartwhelan233]

Born in Carlisle Cumbria England your absolutely right there pal

[@craighaldane-gy3mk]

Really well put together and great narrator. There is nothing worse than some Ai voice on channel's it ruins them. You have a new subscriber here.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you for the kind compliments. I am glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully I can keep you engaged with future videos

[@Andy_Babb]

@@ErikKSwansonYou made the documentary?? 🫡

[@tacitronin4970]

Fantastically done!

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@NeilTremblay-rg7hk]

Great video! I have been to Fort William Henry many times. This is the best video I have seen on the subject.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it. The Fort is a fun place to visit.

[@kenc9236]

Awesome video and really helped me along with the "Last of the Mohicans" movie to get a bigger picture of events.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Last of the Mohicans is a great movie!

[@joetowsey2898]

Very well made, informative and interesting, keep up the good work chief!

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@robertbowers9856]

My Revolutionary ancestor was at Ft Edward during the revolution. He left a very detailed accout in his pension application about Benedict Arnold and General Phillip Schuyler. He was on the expedition to capture Montreal. Very good documentary.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks for sharing. That is really cool. Do you have the account?

[@rachelwickersham7834]

I would love to read what your ancestor wrote!

[@robertbowers9856]

Yes I do. But how to get it to you is another matter. Any suggestions?@@ErikKSwanson

[@robertbowers9856]

I would love to send a copy, but I'll have to locate it. I did a transcript quite a while back, but then to get it to you is another matter.@@rachelwickersham7834

[@Anglo_Saxon1]

@Robert Bowers;I don't know if your aware but the surname Bowers is an Old English surname of Saxon origin.Your name derives from the South East of England.👍

[@josephinewest859]

This video is well done - you are amazing! I love your approach -- seeking out the facts and letting them speak for themselves. That's so hard to find these days. You have created a quality, highly captivating documentary (love the visuals of the maps and scenery and also the voice-overs). I never would have expected to come across a KZbin video of this quality. I truly hope we will see more like this from you. This is the kind of content I have been looking for. Thank you!

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! I have more videos on a variety of topics planned

[@thegameshooters4188]

Hi Josephine. Can you provide specific examples of documentaries of Colonial America created "these days" that lack facts and do not let existing facts "speak for themselves?" I am not challenging your response to Erik Swanson's work and this documentary as much as it is my desire to be aware of what you consider lesser documentaries that freely exercise their creative license, as I continue to search youtube to acquire more information on the North American Colonial Period. Thanks

[@thegameshooters4188]

Great job, Erik Swanson. I earnestly viewed the entire piece.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@thegameshooters4188 thank you, I appreciate it

[@matthewgriffin7857]

Love this, thank you Erik!

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you for watching!

[@matthewgriffin7857]

@@ErikKSwanson I loved it, do you plan on doing a follow up episode? As in what happened following the battle and the course of the French and Indian war? That would so damn neat sir

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@matthewgriffin7857 thanks. I have some other history topics in the works, but nothing set in stone yet

[@Andrew-dg8se]

Yeah this is good.i have heard this voice actor before on the history channel.I love this type of history and am a big fan of Last of the Mohicans.now I will read the book.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. As far as I know none of the voice actors did anything on the History channel. Certainly not the narrator.

[@jonathanbaggs4275]

Excellent and well done.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you, I appreciate it! I’m glad you enjoyed the documentary

[@rocklobster2929]

Very impressive documentary, this period of history is so interesting

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@alistairclarke6726]

Simply outstanding! original content and well narrated Subscribed

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you! I appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed it. I have videos on a variety of subjects, but will be looping back to some history videos soon

[@johnnowakowski4062]

The savagery of the Indians has been well documented throughout the French/Indian wars. No matter what surrender terms the French made out of chivalry, the Indians could care less and would just slaughter the inhabitants once a fort was surrendered. Much to the consternation of the outnumbered French contingent who could only watch in horror..

[@SamBrickell]

Thank you for mentioning this. Because America won most people have an incredibly ignorant idea of what the wars with the Indians were actually like.

[@makeamericanativeamericana7436]

@@SamBrickellyou people invaded our lands and brought your awful energy here. We were defending our lands. This will always be NATIVE land!

[@tomweaverling1366]

​@@makeamericanativeamericana7436brutally slaughtering an already surrendered force that consisted of women and children is defending your land/homes? What a laughable argument. Obviously it didn't work because we got the last laugh.

[@rogerross6583]

I liked this presentation about the brief history of fort William Henry. Very well done.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@BooktownBoy]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@felixthibeault7096]

I’m an high school teacher in Canada ! This documentary is a beautiful piece ! Bravo ! 🎉

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@felixthibeault7096]

@@ErikKSwanson 😎

[@stevelauda5435]

A most brilliant documentary.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@puma1304]

as a child, during the unending rainy nights deep inside the wet Patagonian forest I read a book about the history of North America for children (profusely illustrated), and I was very impressed at a drawing depicting Champlain in 1608 shooting at the Iroquois at the lake that now bears his name, from the maps and other stories it was clear to me even then that this was the closest way to go from Quebec to New York... and it resembled so much the scenery where I was reading, so no doubt as soon as the sun arrived again we went outside and played "Iroquois against Canadians"... I really learned so much with that book! Now with much more knowledge I still think that it is too bad the British ended taking Canada and all of New France, otherwise the history of North America would have been quite different, except we do not know what the independent US would have done... almost certainly they would have attempted to expand into french territory, as they did into the spanish/mexican... the french kings and their entourage never understood the needs nor potential of New France

[@ErikKSwanson]

It’s an interesting question. Much of the U.S. war for independence is directly influenced by the French and Indian War. If France had won the British colonials might have thought twice about expanding westward, and possibly wouldn’t have been comfortable waging war against Britain. Many of the American officers during the revolution gained their experience during the war against France. If they had been defeated they might not have had confidence in the combat tactics and experience they learned.

[@edwardhanson3664]

@@ErikKSwanson Yes, that would have made for a very different history.

[@DonMeaker]

Russia made so much money from furs, and French nobility spent so much money on Russian furs, that the French Crown, well informed on Russian expansion into Siberia by exploitation of the natives, with only occasional military forts, sought to use the same methods used by Russia. The innovations of the British, with local colonies that used local products (maize, potato) and self governing assemblies proved more robust, though having a slower start.

[@keithad6485]

The Daniel Day Lewis movie is one of my favorite all time movies. I accept there was probably directors license included in the movie and it may not necessarily be entirely based on fact as the Fenimore Cooper book is written as a novel.

[@Lollygagger-k4p]

Defintely a masterpiece that will last as long as people enjoy film. Every detail of costume and arms was correct - except for the long shots from the fort to screen the runner. That was pretty fanciful. Done at night, at what appeared to be at least 200+ yards, on moving targets? No way. I know those rifles well. Just not gonna happen except by sheer luck. Silk patches or not.

[@brucevaughn2886]

LOTM is one of the very best recent period movies. Errors such as the night time shooting and such as very few have any working knowledge of the details which they reference.

[@simondray9984]

Great work.please continue. I will be observing. And enjoying. Thankyou.

[@christiansmith4421]

This is an excellent naration of an incredible part of history.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@mjbucar]

An excellent video - thank you.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@ejdotw1]

Great documentary until the end. Accounts were not so distorted, as to casualties. Near 1,000 were massacred by the Indians. Modern historians (of which I am one) have unfairly discounted casualties in favor of pro-Native American popular narratives. The men, women, and children were utterly butchered by them. It does no favor to history to distort truth in either respect. Abuses were rampant on all parts. It remained the nature of the times and cultures of every quarter.

[@Andy_Babb]

I mean, the native Americans had some pretty significant legitimate bones to pick with the colonists… it was awful, yes. But at the same time, that was how they fought… they didn’t have European standards for life. Idk, it’s not black and white is all I’m saying I guess.

[@henrypollock7987]

@@Andy_Babbthe did that to each other long before the white man mate

[@1bryanestes]

All culture and race are guilty of horrible things. The argument that natives were just peaceful people and minding their own business is false..they were killing and taking land from other tribes long before Europe arrived. They are no different than any other culture it's easier to just acknowledge and understand if we just admit that all of humanity is guilty of atrocious acts to one another. Tired of the victimhood and the bleeding hearts that claim their culture was robbed or suppressed, guess what...every culture and every race has had suppression and has had land taken..this is what humans do to each other

[@REmm-rf8fl]

@@henrypollock7987 how is that relevant?

[@REmm-rf8fl]

@@Andy_Babb if you don’t have an infrastructure to keep prisoners it’s slavery or death. Thats been how all people have fought most of history.

[@ericbeattie761]

Traveling south is down the lake😮. I have a summer home in Bass Bay. Underneath Uncas cliff

[@ErikKSwanson]

The lake flows South to North. Traveling south is upstream. Sounds like your summer home is in a beautiful spot.

[@williamogilvie6909]

An ancestor, named Eastman, was in a colonial regiment that built fort William Henry. I assume he was not there for the later conflict with the French. He and a few of his brothers served in Loyalist militias during the revolutionary war and when the war ended, were evacuated, with their families, to Halifax. They eventually cleared farmsteads in Ontario. One brother returned to Vermont in 1802 and married again after his first wife died. George Eastman, the founder of Eastman Kodak, was related to my ancestor. There was tension between the English colonists and the French long before this episode.

[@tekawapangjamir4990]

When I was a kid i saw my elders drinking Fort William Rum (Remote state in India) but later stop production forever..now i know now why FW was very popular ..

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks for watching

[@MrNaKillshots]

A polished upload.

[@Xraydelta14sector2]

Excellent presentation 🏅

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@Xraydelta14sector2]

@@ErikKSwanson 👍

[@herstoryswitness]

Excellent 👍👍

[@paulhomsy2751]

Well researched and delivered as fairly as the details of historical accounts permit. Great job detailing as realistically as possible this episode of our North American French/English/Natives history. Thank you !

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you for your comment, I am glad you enjoyed the video. It was enjoyable doing the research for this. I tried to let the historic accounts tell the story of the siege for the most part, and tried to include conflicting accounts between the French and British where I could. When writing the script there were at least 2 times that I caught myself repeating something I had read in books about the siege. Then when I thought about it more, I said to myself, "I don't see that connection in the primary sources," so rewrote the narration. There are probably some errors or mistakes in there, but I certainly tried to avoid them.

[@paulhomsy2751]

@@ErikKSwanson I doubt there are many mistakes. It's very difficult to recreate history accurately since there usually are many accounts, some of them conflicting, depending on the source and allegiance of those writing the accounts. In my experience, Jesuits tend to give the most elaborate, detailed and accurate accounts of an event or of the history of a country; usually documenting facts with intellectual honesty and integrity. You quoted one a few times in your video, which in the dust, tumult and carnage of battles and wars renders it is as authentic as can be and reinforcing that notion to me. Well done !

[@OzMan9989]

⁠Tne thing is, I completely agree with you. My main point is that indigenously Americans dont deserve the benefit of doubt that contemporary pop culture seems to indicate. They were just as bad as Europeans, Aztecs, Carib cultures, etc in the new world. Your historical coverage is excellent by the way. Very entertaining.😅

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you. Glad you’re enjoying my videos

[@Valmontst]

You are absolutely correct!

[@seanmolloy4636]

These are the things they do not teach you in school. They look for pitty even though like you mentioned they were just as cutthroat and conniving as any other Nation.

[@Stitchwitchstitch]

You’re still not understanding the situation. Should they have just LET the white people take their land? They were attacked, THEY were invaded, THEY were chased out, THEY were massacred as government POLICY. Yea, duh, they fought back. But a cannonball to the face is no less gruesome than getting your skull smashed by a tomahawk or club. The British were savage too- don’t let the wigs and tea sandwiches fool you. You’d smash someone with a rock if they had you in a choke grip, I bet. You’d fight to the death if someone tried taking your land, your home, your hunting grounds, your sacred burial spaces, your food stores and growing areas. What, you don’t get to feel screwed over then? Because you fought back just as hard? Of course they were brutal- and it’s scary, but they didn’t have long-range weapons en masse and they didn’t have armies at their call, because they didn’t have destitute soldiers joining for survival. The native population took care of their people, in their tribes and sometimes inter-tribe. You sound like someone who says “why can’t the blacks get over it? Slavery ended in the 1860s.” You’re missing so many important points. Please expand your viewpoint.

[@philodonoghue3062]

There’s been a resurgence of that pesky ‘noble savage’ trope. A notion conceived by Rousseau - a Swiss who’d never travelled far beyond Europe’s borders. Never been to the new world, Aftrica, Asia (North, South, East or West); Oceania, etc. The East Polynesian colonisers of what is now New Zealand carried out frequent internecine revenge based slaughter - in both senses of the word ie., massacre followed by kai tangata (kai = eat or food, tangata = man, people). Yet in the last 4 decades the revival of the still declining number of native-fluent speakers (a noble worthwhile goal) and admission by ‘the Crown’ of unconstitutional and illegal confiscation of native land after the Māori/Land/New Zealand Wars in the 1840s - 1870s) with monetary compensation has led to the romantic, ahistorical and anachronistic notions of retro-tribalist propaganda by radicals, liberals, government bureaucrats and the Labour and Green parties. Time, energy and resources which would be better applied to solving the dysfunctional social results following on from the inevitable deracination consequential to European expansion and world dominance over the last half millennium.

[@keithad6485]

Fort warfare has long been abandoned as a viable method of fighting. It gives the defenders only a short term protection. Siege warfare is always in favor of the attacker unless the defenders can rely on reinforcements coming to their aid, and this is uncertain. It is a way of holding ground for sure, but gives the attacker the initiative who can choose when and where to attack or lay siege. Timber walls, very vulnerable to fire which can take away the defenders main source of protection. This seems a very well researched and presented video.

[@Valmontst]

I agree, and pretty much the same thing could be said for castles.

[@stevedecata462]

Nicely done

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@stevedecata462]

@@ErikKSwanson have you thought about doing the Schenectady massacre??

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@stevedecata462 I need to look into that more. Thanks for the suggestion

[@barkeater9606]

Very well done! I have been to the fort many times. I was born and raised in Dolgeville, NY. It’s about an hour west of the fort, just north of the Mohawk valley. 👍

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. You have a lot of interesting history in your area

[@dmeinhertzhagen8764]

The perspective of the native Americans is known through Charles Michel de Langlade, born in Fort Michilimackinac to an Ottawa mother and a French fur trader father, he became an Ottawa war chief and a French soldier. He was present during this battle and participated in the killing of British soldiers who had surrendered. He and his men also killed many surrendering British and colonials at the Monongahela (George Washington was a young 19 year old British army lieutenant at that time)and later killed many more fighting them in Quebec City and in Sainte-Foy. He basically stated that they treated their enemies the way they expected to be treated if they were captured by the few tribes allied with the British notably the Iroquois Confederacy. Langlade later settled near Baie Verte (GreenBay nowadays) and he is known as the “father of Wisconsin”.

[@will-i-am-not]

You do have to ask why thry did not build the fort on the raised ground to begin with, it seems the ability of senior officers to think has not changed much

[@stevekling8086]

Interesting.

[@scottcoley1906]

@theCrucible figured you might be able to use some of the last 1/4 of the film in some of your arguments as to what can happen when men loose control of situations and how important a civil society is, patriarchal or not. Keep up the good work.

[@bobobo2224]

The last of the Mohicans didn't hold a candle to what actually happened. It didn't show any of the Indians plundering while the British were still in the fort. Even this documentary doesn't mention the raping of women. The Indians made that last night in the fort hell. While weapons had already been taken away from British. TLotM only showed the massacre during the March.

[@brucevaughn2886]

There is always a limit to what anyone can do working within the constraints of time and budget.

[@thebroham5239]

hollywood has been woke garbage for so many years now, they exposed that they have been doing it all along as not to offend someone. once u get older and have more real world experience it really opens your eyes to all the bs... both ways.

[@brutusbarnabus8098]

With French interests in the West Indies under threat by the Royal Navy New France was de-prioritized and Montcalm had to make do. In fact, after 1757 he received no more reinforcements or supplies from his homeland. He was the most competent commander in North America at the time and had he been properly equipped and supplied the world map would look very different today. I have always admired Louis-Joseph de Montcalm.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Generally speaking, the British out spent the French during the war - on every continent

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

I too find Montcalm an interesting figure. I believe he was a true Gentleman...

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

@@ErikKSwanson They sure indeed did..

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@ENIGMAXII2112 I think he and a lot of others were doing what they could to adapt European norms in warfare to the North American wilderness and different style of warfare. It’s pure speculation on my part, but I tend to agree with you

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

@@ErikKSwanson And THANK YOU Mr. Swanson for your great work. It was VERY well done..!

[@peterixon8708]

Really enjoyed the presentation. An Australian and therefore a foreigner to both cultures, curious as to the pronunciation of the name of the French fort. I was told by American re-enactors in 2000, during a visit to Crown Point & Fort Ticonderoga, the name of the French fort was pronounced as car-rill-yon; your pronunciation to me sounded like carry-on. Curious as to which is correct. But don't any offence; great video. An avid war gamer, retired these days with plenty of time to play, I really enjoyed your work.

[@jean-louislalonde6070]

As a Québécois in Montréal, I can tell you the correct pronunciation is the first one. Montcalm had basically three kind of warriors under his command: his soldiers who would obey no matter what, the Canadiens who were used to fight a guerilla warfare, and the native Indians who were fighting guerilla but were not directly under his command. The British soldiers were terrified by the Indians, knowing they were not bound by any rules of war.

[@peterixon8708]

Thanks Jean-Louis. Really appreciate knowing the correct pronunciation. Thanks too for the additional info.

[@pjhue6607]

great vid

[@49558201]

There was a study done on the grave yard , sad , bad health and old wounds .

[@drgunnwilliams8239]

Rifles at the time period would have been flintlock, not the cap & ball as pictured at 10:11-10:16

[@hawssie1]

This is a good account of one of the many instances of savagery done by the Indian tribes in this area of the country, at this time in history. From what I have read theses tribes were extremely vicious as a culture and this was considered business as usual for most of the tribes of the great northwest. Modern views of cruelty or compassion didn't register in these cultures and were considered a terrible sign of weakness, hence their intense dissatisfaction with the terms of surrender. This incident was not directly related to hatred of the "white man" at this point but just their normal way of waging war and settling disputes and the same treatments shown to other conflicted Indian groups as well.

[@RonOside]

All this American history has been deleted from textbooks.

[@GAZMofBI74]

Who could forget the bravery and innovativeness of Capt Robert Rogers and his Brother(Who iirc died of smallpox at the Fort but later got his own biological revenge on the Indians who had dug him up post mortem)?".☣️☠️🇬🇧🛡⚔️🇬🇧Great content btw mate.....nice one!!😉👌😎👍

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@shep8851]

Can anyone recommend KZbin channels where I might get more videos about this conflict, as information on this period is difficult to find

[@SNP-1999]

The 35th Regiment of Foot that defended the fort had its revenge later when it took part in the siege and battle of Orleans, during which the French General Montcalme was killed. Later named the Royal Regiment of Sussex, the regiment fought with honour during the Seven Years War, the American War of Independence and the Napoleonic Wars, apart from many wars of the 19th and 20th centuries.

[@Anaris10]

Montcalm died at Quebec.

[@Oscarhobbit]

This was a great documentary. I am involved in the study and use of cannons. I was shocked to hear how many barrels burst at the fort. Are there any sources that give an account of French artillery bursting. A number of the French guns were captured British pieces.

[@fload46d]

We lost a French Commander from Post Miamis who had gone far into the northwest looking for the "Southern Sea". He was the Commander that George Washington talked to at Post LaBoeuf. He was killed Fort William Henry.

[@alansivkoff282]

Would this be the same Montcalm who lost Quebec to Woolf?

[@ErikKSwanson]

Yes, the very same. He also oversaw a clever defense of Fort Carillon the year after Fort William Henry

[@davidlockley2635]

Yes it is

[@1LSWilliam]

What I miss is the virtual silence as to The Seven Years' War affecting Europe and indeed all 3 major empires at the time.

[@irishrepub84]

Sir William Johnson should have had at least a hint of an Irish accent in my opinion (Although he was an aristocrat which kind of muddies the water as far as likely accent ill grant you). he was a Mick afterall. and not just any Mick but a line of the ancient High Kings of Ireland the O'Neil. O'Neil > McShane > Johnson. He and his people would ultimately take the loyalist side in the revolution. He was and will always be the first baronet of New York if i remember correctly. very important/ under rated figure in American history in my opinion.

[@354sd]

Excellent video. However why does he refer to the British as English throughout.?

[@DonMeaker]

The Iroquois were a native people that preferred the English. Their preference was in response to the aggressive pursuit of alliances by the Samuel de Champlain for the French. Over and over again, the English fought against native tribes with other natives as their allies, in King Phillips' War in 1675, King William's War in 1688, Queen Anne's war in 1702, Drummer's War in 1722, and the War of Jenkins Ear in 1739. That policy was continued by America after independence.

[@Syagrius62]

Not exactly, part of the Iroquois were in New France and on the French side because they were catholic. They were probably participating in the massacre as the Hurons. Read about The Seven Nations in The Canadian Encyclopedia. Bonne journée.

[@OzMan9989]

This seems like a history channel program copied. If not, it’s a great compliment to your channel.

[@ErikKSwanson]

The History channel barely even makes programs about history anymore.

[@robnewman6101]

My parents and I have been to Fort Ticonderoga before.

[@joshmandrell4952]

Good video other than the ads every 2 mins that's ridiculous

[@mickuljatheseagull]

In the British military the rank of "Loo" tenant is pronounced "Left" tenant. That aside a very enjoyable documentary.

[@josephfeeley3476]

My beautiful wife is a Chippewa-Cree and I am just an Irish American, 4th generation! Some of this I agree and some I obviously do not. But good post all the same!

[@BruceBailey-b7x]

Geo. Washington started the Seven Years War, aka the French and Indian War. Check it out. Some historians consider this to be the first world war as it was fought all over the world. And nice job on this video, Mr. Swanson. I subscribed.

[@Farallones30]

As an extra in the last of the mohicans this documentary helped me understand what really happened. It was great fun filming the night scenes at the fort on lake James north Carolina .I met a lot of the actors and stayed one night at a house Dennis Banks was renting .he was incredibly patient and kind .I'm seen in the movie several times in the fort as a wounded soldier. On other night a French soldier. also in the scene in massacre valley.The movie I thought was pretty good.Everyone worked hard.I saw one scene take seventeen takes .The Director would say " back to one"

[@ErikKSwanson]

That must have been a fun experience. I absolutely love that movie. It might be a little loose on historical accuracy and following the book, but it’s a great movie

[@letsdothis9063]

Very cool! Great movie!

[@SpaceCowboy-u7j]

It’s interesting to me how there weren’t many castles in The New World, rather wooden forts*. *for the most part

[@SmedleyDouwright]

I think the recreated tourist fort is on, or very close, to the site of the original fort. I saw a ghost hunter show that reported to find ghost activity there.

[@ErikKSwanson]

It is about 15 feet further west than the original. Some of the buildings are also in different locations and different dimensions, but the walls and overall shape are pretty close to the historic plans and drawings

[@jamesstone9213]

Yes. I seen them!!

[@johngrant248]

Mark Twain had something to say about James Fenimore Cooper many literary indulgences.

[@chriscarola9281]

Wrote many stories about Lake George's Colonial history, archaeology digs, etc. while a reporter for The Associated Press in Albany, NY. Know some of the experts appearing in this film. The village/town of LG packs more history, battles, etc. in its environs than most places 10 times the size.

[@ErikKSwanson]

That must have been a great experience covering all of that great history. You're right there is so much great history in that area

[@zach7193]

When I think of this battle, reminds me of Last of the Mohicans and the War that made America. Narrator sounds like Peter Coyote.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Last of the Mohicans (1991 version) is a great movie. The War that made America had some cool reenactments around this battle, but some of the story points were a little off. If I remember correctly they said that the 3 campfires to mark the rendevous point on August 2, 1757 were what alerted the men at Fort William Henry to the French approach... regardless a great docuseries. I wish there was more stuff like that being made these days.

[@keithad6485]

He does sound like Peter Coyote. Not sure that it is him though. Does Peter C still live in SF?

[@robertballard4611]

Live about 15 min from there, a lot of history between Ticonderoga, whitehall, fort ann, William Henry, fort Edward, Saratoga ect

[@ErikKSwanson]

It’s a great area for history. I wish it was promoted more often

[@robertballard4611]

@@ErikKSwanson great video

[@Syagrius62]

As a descendant of the canadian militiamen I want to thank the author of this documentary for his impartiality. Just to add that among the Indians populations of the St-Lawrence valley there were our Catholic Iroquois of our missions around Montréal and they were probably part of that battle (and the massacre) as well with the Hurons. Bonne journée de Montréal.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thank you I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@VincentComet-l8e]

The closing words of the documentary: ‘Sadly, the perspective we are missing is from the native Americans.’ Which, although seemingly uttered in all seriousness, is grotesque and barely credible. Being a monstrous misrepresentation, and complete cover-up of what actually happened. Because it is their actions - and their actions alone - that gave this encounter the notoriety it later earned. And a tight, impenetrable veil has been drawn across the actual details of what Montcalm diplomatically called the ‘ferocity’ of the Indians. Which, of course, is very necessary, because the true horrors of what they enjoyed doing to their victims would turn the stomach of anybody with a spark of decency & humanity. These being simply unspeakable acts of brutality & cruelty inflicted on men, women and children alike. Which is what you would expect from marauding savages from the Stone Age. So, in answer to those breathtakingly sanctimonious closing words, their contribution was made very fully indeed, and for all to see. With the ferocity & brutality of the primitive savages that they were, and in the only way they knew - in Blood, Guts, Gore....

[@Destroyer_V0]

Politically correct, this comment is not. And yet, arguably, one I agree with. The french had greater numbers of troops than their native allies iirc the numbers quoted correctly. Easily enough to outmatch their numbers. Enough to prevent the bloodbath. They chose not to, or were not truly in control of the situation. A comment made earlier in the video by someone else also caught my attention. "All the native tribes liked the french because they didn't cut down trees" All? Huh. That didn't seem right. As someone who has written fictional stories that were never published. I would not use all to describe a group of tribes people. BEcause they do not agree with one another. Most tribes, is what I would have used instead. And preface it with evidence suggests. Rather than authoritative statements like what was given.

[@brucevaughn2886]

Depravity and barbarism was the common method of the Indian tribes in warfare with one another and later with European settlers. This continued on through the close of the 1880’s. The quality of any society is best measured not only by looking at what by any estimation is foul beyond all excuse but also looking for what is of enduring significance especially with reference to the prevailing standards of those involved.

[@thebroham5239]

thank you, the whole documentary was tainted by that one huge woke statement at the end, no doubt a virtue signaling pandering to some hairy armpit pronoun challenged liberal studies major at Columbia

[@DMM1840]

You talk as if the European settlers didn't also brutally slaughter innocents. Europeans would genitally mutilate Indian corpses and attach their cut off genitalia on their hats. Europeans would also behead indians and play kickball with their severed heads. But this is only "savage" when the Indians do it. The victors really do write the history and it shows.

[@lysandros765]

Very high quality documentary and narration, thank you. At the same it is quite unfortunate that the comment section contains a heafty amount of posts jumping on the occasion of this particular even to spurt out blatant xenophobia and disdain for the indigenous peoples of America as if all colonizers were angelic knights of purest intends who never commited atrocities and massacres and overtook the lands atmost peacefully by divine right. Nothing to do with Eurocentrism turned to evelen or simple racism of course, don't get me wrong, i also hate 'political correctness'...

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately comment sections really have a way of attracting the worst parts of society sometimes. Luckily it doesn’t seem to be the majority of people

[@herstoryswitness]

Samuel DeChamplain defended Algonkian Indians when they were attacked by Iroquoian Indians, drawing the lines between the two Native American groups, the Algonkians with the French and the Iroquois with the English. This was further cemented by William Johnson in the Mohawk Valley.

[@fortcarillon615]

Good documentary and not really French bashing....(rare)...........Fort Necessity - Oswego - Monongahela - Fort carillon -Fort william Henry - Bataille des raquettes (snowshoes battle) - Beauport - Montmorency - Sainte Foy - Respect for the natives, allied Indians, and French soldiers of this war ! .............My France salute you, Québec and North America brothers !!!!!

[@TheDKninja]

rip to all the brave specially that one guy friendly fired by the natives

[@gregbillman42]

My forefather Hans David Bielmann and family lived their lives in peril of Indians on the Maiden River west of the long-swamp. On 3/6/1756, Anna and two of their children were killed in an Indian attack. One son, Johann b. c. 1746 who was killed in the attack is known, a daughter, and a younger brother who was made "useless" by a blow to the head.

[@partygrove5321]

If you want to see a sad upstate NY town, go to Fort Edward.

[@colby25]

It was the british empire involved here not the english empire. You got something personal against the english? Dont want to offend the scots, welsh and irish involement?

[@hawssie1]

Ive read a fair amount regarding the Indian culture in that area and they were brutal, and not just to whites as there were many clashes with rival tribes.The culture valued stoicism and showing no weakness. Cruelty wasn't a word they recognized and the women carried out much of the torture on captives.

[@partygrove5321]

It's in Lake George Village

[@johntomlinson-j6x]

IS it just me or does the over statement of both French and English bother any one, Wow. I suppose it is the STYLE of the times that exaggeration and bluster knows no bounds. I have to think this is also in the RETELLING of the story (narrator) It would seem the use of PHYCOLOGICAL warfare was and is still very popular. In reality I'm sure the Event would seem very Inglorious to most of those involved, particularly the Locals and Militias.

[@jamesomalley4556]

Well done Hawkeye/Chingachgook/and Uncas.

[@danielreichert2025]

Why isn’t mahgwy mentioned 🤣. Just kidding ty for clarifying this topic.

[@phil_beb58]

What if America would not have been under English influence but French ?…

[@jontalbot1]

What happened to General Webb?

[@ErikKSwanson]

I’m pretty sure he was recalled to England, and ultimately promoted… but don’t quote me on that. I could be remembering incorrectly

[@Kev-son_of_kev]

The fort is a star fort

[@edwardhanson3664]

I appreciate your statement at the end, that the Native American accounts were not available..

[@ErikKSwanson]

Thanks. It would be fascinating to have first hand accounts from the Native Americans. I reached out to numerous people, museums, heritage centers, etc. trying to get a Native American perspective on the time period, and historical setting of the war. Unfortunately no one returned my calls or emails. For the siege itself I wanted to tell the story exclusively based on the written accounts from men who were there, rather than modern interpretations of the events. One of my favorite parts in the doc is near the end where there are conflicting French and British accounts next to each other. They disagree about how much the French regulars protected the men marching to Fort Edward - The British say not at all, the French account says they tried, but failed. It really would be great to have additional perspectives on the events.

[@ruffusblueeyedcat7864]

How are those Canadians he is talking about i thought Canada didn't exist at that time ?

[@ErikKSwanson]

The name Canada was used on maps as early as the mid 1500s. There was a region with that name, just not a country by that name

[@bluetocop]

canadiens is what the french born in new france called themselves

[@mcgiver6977]

Also our hockey NHL team ! @@bluetocop

[@Syagrius62]

Canada was an alternate name for New France. Canadian was the name of the descendants of the French setllers. Nous sommes toujours là. The word Canadian has been stolen to us by the british with time.

[@BruceBailey-b7x]

@3:30 excellent comparison between French colonization and English.The French traded extensively with many tribes bringing the red man European goods and wares, like metal pots and pans, knives and axes. The English brought eviction notices!😄

[@Hew.Jarsol]

The Rangers are British, Not American. Stop trying to alter history.

[@ErikKSwanson]

Stop trying to start arguments based on lies. At no point in this video did I say that the Rangers were American. The ONE time they were mentioned I referred to them as the "British Ranger companies," but as long as we're on the topic, Robert Rogers, the most famous Ranger, was born in Massachusetts. His rules of ranging are still listed in the U.S. Army Rangers handbook to this day.

[@Syagrius62]

I thought that the rangers were new england militiamen.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@Syagrius62 they were New England provincial soldiers. From New Hampshire, New York, etc, but British subjects. The original commenter is just a cranky person trying to distort facts.

[@bushwhackeddos.2703]

@@ErikKSwanson Where they were born wouldn’t alter their genetics.

[@ErikKSwanson]

@@bushwhackeddos.2703 no one but you is talking about genetics. The original comment was trying to wrongly claim that this video said the Rangers were “American,” which it did not… but if you check historical texts I’m sure you’ll find that “British subjects” not born in Britain were not treated the same as British