Why Go to War?

Events Leading Up to the French and

Indian War

England and France had a long history of warfare against each other even before the colonial era. Both nations wanted to dominate Europe politically and economically. In addition, each wanted their religion to predominate.

England v. France

In the 1500s, England and France claimed overlapping areas of the vast North American continent. Both nations wanted to control North America’s land, natural resources, and native population, which would bring power in Europe and overseas.

This land is mine!

The English built permanent settlements along the Atlantic coastline and colonized on a large scale.

The French hunted, trapped, and set up trading posts in the wilderness.

From 1689 to 1763, wars begun in Europe over European issues spilled over into North America. The French settlers in Canada, aided by Native American allies, and the British settlers along the Atlantic coast clashed often, especially in North American phases of four European wars.

war

It was difficult for French and English forces in North America to fight each other because their posts and settlements lay far apart in the wilderness. Most of the battles consisted of sneak attacks and raids on frontier outposts. Relatively few colonists actually participated in the fighting. Most warfare was conducted by Native Americans allied with one side or the other.

Examples of Wars

KING WILLIAM’S WAR(1689-1697)

War ended in a stalemate

QUEEN ANNE’S WAR(1702-1713)

•The British wanted to prevent France and Spain from being ruled by the same king.

•England won the war

KING GEORGE’S WAR(1744-1748)

•Despite their successful capture of Louisbourg in North America, the English were defeated in Europe.

•The peace treaty of Aix-la-Chappelle ended the war both in Europe and North America.

•The peace treaty restored all forts and lands to their original owners.

•New Englanders who had captured Louisbourg were outraged.

North America in 1750

The French and Indian War(1754-1763)

The greatest colonial conflict between the French and English came in 1754. It was precipitated by a young colonial Virginian, George Washington. The war was called the Seven Years’ War in Europe after 1756, when many European nations became involved. Its conclusion in 1763 brought massive change for England - and its North American colonies...