The French and Indian War, 1754-1763

Theme: As part of their worldwide rivalry, Great Britain and France engaged in a great struggle for colonial control of North America, culminating in the

British victory in the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War) that drove France from the continent.

Theme: Before the Seven Years’ War, Britain and its American colonies had already been facing some tensions as can be seen in sporadic British efforts to enforce trade laws and colonial reaction to the peace treaty in 1748. During the

Seven Years’ War, the relationship between British military regulars and colonial militias added to the tensions. The French defeat in the Seven Years’

War created conditions for a growing conflict between Britain and its American colonies. The lack of a threatening European colonial power in North America

gave the American colonists a sense of independence that clashed with new British imperial demand s such as stationing soldiers In the colonies and the

Proclamation of 1763.

I. Clash of Empires

A. New France was unique1. Geography-lack coastline,

urbanization, autocratic2. Jesuits and “coureurs de

bois”

B. Clash of Empires, 1688-17481. King Will and Queen Ann’s

Wars (Treaty of Ultrecht)2. “Salutary Neglect”3. Jenkin’s and his ear, 17394. Louisbourg

II. Highlights “French and Indian War,” 1753-1763

A. Motivation: Link Ohio River Valley to Mississippi

B. Battle at Fort Necessity, 17541. Washington brothers2. British tighten control Nova Scotia-

move to LAC. Albany Congress, 1754

1. Benji Franklin and Iroquois2. Albany Plan for Union

D. Defeat of Braddock, 1756E. Invasion of CanadaF. William PittG. Battle of Quebec, 1759

A. James WolfeH. Treaty of Paris

“On the scene that witnessed my dishonor, I desire to bury my shame.”-Gen Braddock

III. Effects of French and Indian War

A. British Dominant NA ForceA. French AcadiansB. Spanish Florida and

SouthwestC. Russian Northwest?

B. Colonial Confidence1. Myth of British Invincibility

C. British Upset American1. West Indies trade

D. British Debt1. 4,000,000 lbs! ARGH!

E. American Expansion1. Pontiac’s Rebellion2. Proclamation of 1763

Practice: Rearrange in the correct

chronological order (answers on next slide)

1. A VA militia commander attempts an unsuccessful invasion of the Ohio Valley.

2. The “Great Commoner” takes command of the British government and its war effort.

3. Toleration of French Huguenots brings religious peace to France.

4. New France is founded, one year after Jamestown.

5. Britain issues a proclamation to prohibit colonial expansion and thereby prevent another Indian war.

6. The second “world war” between France and Britain ends in British victory and the acquisition of Acadia.

7. British victory on the Plains of Abraham seals the fate of New France.

8. Return of Louisburg fortress at the end of King George’s War angers colonial New Englanders.

9. War begins badly for the British when Braddock fails to take Fort Duquesne.

10. A great empire builder explores Louisiana and claims it for the French King.

Answers:3, 4, 10, 6, 8, 1, 2, 7, 5