In Assassin's Creed III, which historical event begins Connor Kenway's path toward the Assassins?

The burning of his village begins Connor Kenway's path toward the Assassins in Assassin's Creed III.

As a child, Connor lives in the Mohawk village of Kanien'kehá:ka, also called the village of his mother, Kaniehtí:io. Templar agents attack and burn the settlement, and Connor later learns that Charles Lee was involved in the event. This trauma motivates him to seek guidance and protect his people during the growing American Revolution.

Connor eventually meets Achilles Davenport, a retired Assassin who trains him and gives him the name Ratonhnhaké:ton. The game then follows Connor through colonial settings including Boston, New York, and the Davenport Homestead. His story intersects with figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Samuel Adams.

The Boston Tea Party and battles of the Revolution are important events in the game, but they do not initiate Connor's personal transformation. The village attack occurs earlier in his life and explains why he begins searching for the Assassin mentor who can help him confront the Templars.