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The French and Indian War
After the war, Britains colonial empire in America increased, they got tons of debts which make takes go up in colonies. In the colonies, they were finally united socially against common enemy. A social experience was created for all who participated. This just means that if a New Englander is fighting alongside a Southerner, creates a great experience. Also, bitter feelings increased towards British that will only get worse throughout the years. -
First Clash in Ohio River Valley
In 1754, the French-British conflict reignited. The French controlled the land West of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. On the East coast, Britain occupied the land of the Appalachian Mountains. Between those territories was one patch of land, the Ohio River Valley. After fighting over this land, the French ultimately take it over and get along well with the Natives. As a result of the friendship between the two, the French take control of the fur trade and several military alliances. -
British and French Forts in Ohio
The French built Fort Duquesne in the site of present day Pittsburgh. They didn't know that the British had paid 200,000 for the land to give to rich planters. Aware of this conflict, the Virginia governor sent militia to evict the French. The band, led by George Washington, established Fort Necessity 40 miles away and attacked a small French detachment. The French attacked back and forced Washington to surrender. These were the building blocks of the French-Indian War. -
Eliminating the French from North America
Britain wants to elimate the French from the Ohio River Valley. This was the mission of General Braddock who asked Geroge Washington to aide him. They attacked Fort Duquesne and were suddenly ambushed by the French and their Native American allies. The British failed again because while the rest of the world was modernizing, they were still using "gentlemen warfare." Britain turned and fled but their only success was that they expelled the French from Louisiana. -
Now it's War
War between the French and the British was officially declared in 1756. It is really called the French-Indian war because the French were allied with their Native friends. What the French didn't know was that the Natives were actually playing the British and the French against eachother. Natives are hoping that during the fighting, both the country's will wipe out eachother and the Natives will have their land back all to themselves. They were just using the French. -
William Pitt Saves the Day
Tired of British losses, King George II selects William Pitt to become the new Foreign Minister. Pitt was kind, understood colonial concerns, and offered them compromise. If the colonies were loyal to Britain then Britain will be loyal back. Lord Loudoun (governing Virginia), who was a "big jerk", was to be removed if the colonies cooperated. All negotiations went smoothly and Britain began winning battles and even had the strong Iroquois on their side. Colonial morale also greatly increased. -
The Tables Turn
In the dead of night on the Plains of Abraham, British troops were sneaking around. Under the command of General James Wolfe they scaled the protected boundries of Quebec. They caught French commander, Marquis de Montcalm, and the French by surprise and fought a very quick but fatal battle. The British won the battle and were assured overall victory of the war. -
The Treaty of Paris
The war is officially over in 1763. France lost Canada, most of India and all of their land in North America. They only kept control of a few islands near Newfoundland and some islands in the West Indies. Spain took all the land West of the Mississippi River but they lost Florida. England claimed all French lands, Caribbean slave trade, commercial dominance in India and all land in North America East of the Mississippi. The Native Americans also had a tough time bargaining with the British.
