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Quebec Established
Quebec was established is 1608 and was the first permanent settlement for France. It was located on the St. Lawrence River. Samuel de Champlain, the leading figure, developed peaceful relations with the Huron Indians. -
The "Coureurs de Bois"
The "coureurs de bois" were beaver hunters. They were important in the expansion of French control in North America. While chasing beaver colonies, they named places and claimed land for France. -
King William's War and Queen Anne's War
King William's War and Queen Anne's War was not the start of the French and Indian War, but it tensed the relations between Britain and France. -
France Prepares For War
In 1749, the French began the process of erecting a chain of forts on the Ohio River. The most notable was Fort Duquesne. It was located when the Monongahela and the Allegheny Rivers join to form the Ohio River. The picture shows Fort Duquesne. -
George Washington Sparks War
In 1754, George Wahington was put in charge of 150 men and was sent to secure the Virginians claims to the land. He encountered a small group of French soldiers, and he fired on them. These were the first shots of the French and Indian War The small group retreated, but returned with more artillery. Washington was forced to surrender. -
The Albany Congress
The Albany Congress was called in 1754. Only delegates of 7 out of the 13 colonies showed up. The immediate purpose was to ensure that the Iroquois Indians were still loyal to the British. However, the long term purpose was to promote colonial unity. Benjamin Franklin, the leading spirit of the Albany Congress, published a picture that said "Join, or Die". -
The Battle of Quebec
After capturing Louisbourg, Pitt focused his efforts on capturing Quebec. James Wolfe was put in charge of this challenge. Wolfe ordered his men to scale a poorly guarded cliff. By this way, they were able to breach the city. Both French and British generals were killed, but the British emerged victorious and took the city. -
Braddock's Mistake
General Braddock was given the task of capturing Fort Duquesne. Braddock was cocky and over-confident. When making the journey to the fort, his men carried heavy artillery and moved sluggishly. They were defeated and raids killed many British. The British were left with no choice but to invade Canada. -
Newly Appointed Pitt Takes Louisbourg
After numerous defeats, Britain appointed William Pitt to head the British. Pitt drew strength from the love of his people, and he was known as the "Great Commoner". He picked energetic leaders who wouldn't be afraid. Pitt, in 1758, captured the Louisbourg Fort. -
Britain is Victorious
In 1760, when Montreal was captured, the French had been defeated. Because of their victory, Great Britain had emerged as the dominant power in North America and the largest naval power as well.
