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Ignition
The French built Fort Duquesne at the Ohio River Valley. The British had just granted land to in the Ohio country to wealthy planters. Because of the clash of these two nations, once again an issue began with land share and who would take over most of North America. -
The Beginning
George Washington led a British militia which attacked a detachment of French soldiers but the French then counterattacked. Later that year after many disputes, the French forced Washington to surrender. After these battles, it struck the fourth war between Great Britain and France which later became known as the French and Indian War. -
French Victories
Edward Braddock and George Washington launched an attack on Fort Duquesne that would surprise his army. The French and Native Americans expecting this attack ambushed them and shocked the British. Using Indian style guerilla warfare tactics, the French and Natives escaped with a win for the battle that would begin a streak of losses for the British. -
Turn of Events
William Pitt was appointed as one of the leaders for the British that would lead them out of the string of losses. The British finally began to win battles after Pitt was appointed. But one night, the British army went to the outskirts of Quebec in the middle of the night and surrounded the high cliffs of the city. The British struck the French with a surprise that the French would never forget. The French were defeated in that battle which led to their defeat in the war by the British. -
Settling Disputes Amoung the Natives
The Ottawa leader Pontiac of the Natives soon realized that when the French lost the war, this also created a loss to them. So, he led his army towards Britsh forts and captured several of them. Later on, the British attacked back and defeated them. To prevent furthur trouble with the Natives, the British government issued the Proclamation of 1763. This banned all settlements west of the Appalachians. The ban also established the Proclamation Line where the colonists could not cross. -
Results and Problems After the War
British policies buckled down on it's colonists and the newly controlled French and Natives. The British stationed troops in North America where the French and Natives lost territory. Because British had to maintain troops in the new territories, this put a dent in their already financial issues. National debt was now a huge issue for Britain that they had to worry about. -
New Solution
George Grenville was appointed prime minister in 1763 to try and lower the debt that Britain put itself in. Grenville was a harsh leader and constantly accused the colonists of smuggling goods into the country. Finally, Grenville encouraged Parliament to pass the Sugar Act. This act halved the duty of foreigh-made molasses, placed duties on certain imports, and strengthened the enforcement of laws. Rebellion was inevitable by the colonies because of strict laws being enforced on them.
