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French and Indian war
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War begins
The French and Indian War Begins In the 1750s, the French expanded their fur-trading empire south into the Ohio River valley, building forts for protection. At the same time, English colonists were crossing the Appalachian Mountains to settle in the region. The French encouraged their Algonquin Indian allies to raid the English settlements, spreading terror along the frontier. When a Virginia army Led by George Washington was sent to protect the English Settlers, they were driven out by French -
The War Rages On
In 1754, Britain sent General Edward Braddock, Colonel Washington, and 2,500 British troops to the Ohio frontier to confront the French. A force of Frenchmen and Indians, fighting from the cover of trees and ravines, caught the soldiers in a deadly crossfire, killing or wounding more than half the British soldiers and mortally wounding Braddock. Fighting raged along the frontier for nearly a year, with the French pushing back every attack. In 1756, England formally declared war on France. -
A Stunning Victory
This clash between England and France was part of the first global war; battles were also fought in Europe, India, Africa, and the Caribbean. In 1757, William Pitt became the leader of Parliament, and Britain's fortunes changed. Pitt wanted to focus Britain's military might on North America. With help from the colonial militia and the Iroquois tribes, the British attacked Fort Niagara and Lake Champlain, and sent an invasion force up to Québec. The plan worked; the British won. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended all French claims in North America. Canada became a British colony, and the huge French territory of Louisiana was given to Spain as thanks for its support. Britain was now the world's most powerful empire, and its colonists were proud to be part of it.