The Kittanning Expedition was a significant military operation within the broader conflict of the French and Indian War, which pitted British colonial forces against French troops and their Indigenous allies. In response to increasing raids by the Delaware tribe on Pennsylvania settlements, British officials authorized a retaliatory strike aimed at Kittanning, a key Delaware village. Colonel John Armstrong assumed command of the force, composed of colonial militia and Native allies, and devised a plan to strike the village during the night. The operational approach emphasized stealth to maximize the element of surprise.

On the night of the attack, Armstrong's force successfully advanced upon Kittanning, catching the village's inhabitants off guard. The expedition culminated in the destruction of around 40 structures, and while the exact number of casualties is disputed, many Delawares were killed or captured. This operation not only inflicted immediate damage on the Delaware but also served to boost the morale of the colonial militia and settlers who were feeling the brunt of the ongoing conflict.

The Kittanning Expedition was part of a series of retaliatory raids from British forces aimed at controlling frontier hostilities. It exemplified the escalating cycle of violence between European settlers and Native American tribes during this period. The aftermath saw the Delawares, having suffered such a devastating blow, increase their resolve in the face of colonial aggression, further complicating the regional dynamics of allegiance and warfare during the conflict. Armstrong's excursion marked a pivotal moment in the larger context of the French and Indian War, showcasing the punitive measures colonial forces were willing to take to protect their communities.