Conflicts in 17th-century British colonial North America were primarily described as a clash between Europeans, Native Americans, African Americans, and the French due to differences in culture, race, and religion. However, recently historians such as Ann M. Little, author of Abraham and Arms, and T. H. Breen and Steve Innes, co-authors of Myne Owne Ground, have gathered evidence that may dispute these claims. These historians suggest that while the differences between these groups played an important role in their struggles to live peacefully with each other in the Virginia and Chesapeake regions, similarities such as the tendency to compete for reputation as a man, honor, power, and property were equally reason for battle. Historians have also found that, although competition for similar things was prevalent, the nature of that conflict changed over time. Ann M. Little's Abraham in Arms approaches colonial New England through the lens of war and gender. His analysis ultimately brings to light the shared understanding of war and masculinity through the eyes of English, Native American, and French settlers of the frontier. Little investigates two centuries of conflict in colonial New England, from the 17th-century Pequot War to the Seven Years' War. Small attempts to interpret how the English, French, and Native Americans viewed the actions of others through their own gender perspective and sense of proper social order. The struggle for reputation, honor and power is what produced much of the conflict and fighting among the English. , French and Native Americans. At the time, most of the populations of the northeastern border area made their living from an agriculture-based economy, which meant that all three people were fighting for... half the paper... ...nnes 2005). The number of free blacks clearly identified as independent householders in the tithe list is thirteen between 1644 and 1677 (Breen and Innes 2005). Although the numbers seem small, when put into context, it is found that 19% or ten of 53 black males in Northampton became heads of households (Breen and Innes 2005). Contrary to popular belief, many slaves were not imported directly from Africa, but had previously been stationed in Dutch colonies (Breen and Innes 2005). Their experiences in places like New Netherland are central to the history of race relations on the Eastern Shore (Breen and Innes 2005). Angolans deported to the New World were familiar with the mixed agricultural system and possessed diverse skills, which allowed them to excel when and if they became free farmers (Breen and Innes 2005).