The Tuscarora War was a conflict between the Tuscarora Native Americans and European settlers in North Carolina, which began when the Tuscarora launched a surprise attack on colonial settlements. The origins of the war lay in the growing tensions surrounding land encroachments and the imposition of increasingly burdensome taxation on Native American tribes. The situation intensified after a series of aggressive acts from settlers who exploited the land, undermining the Tuscarora's traditional living spaces and resources. In retaliation, the Tuscarora struck at the heart of colonial settlements such as Bath and New Bern, employing guerrilla tactics that targeted both military and civilian populations.

The attack served as a rallying point for various Native American tribes facing similar pressures from European settlers. In response, colonial leaders organized a military campaign to quell the rising insurrection. This was not merely a battle for land; it reflects broader themes of resistance against colonial expansion and the clash of cultures in the early 18th century. The war would escalate into a prolonged conflict, with significant battles occurring over the next few years as the Tuscarora sought to defend their sovereignty and way of life.

As the war progressed, the colonial forces began to gain the upper hand through superior military organization and alliances with other Native tribes. The brutal violence experienced during this period laid a foundation for the history of colonial-settler relations in the region, setting precedents for future conflicts between indigenous populations and European settlers.