The French and Indian War

Seven Years War or French and Indian War? England and French major powers for leadership of Europe Competition surrounding control of the seas and territory in India and North America Both wanted the resources and power that came from expanding their empire Series of conflicts that started in North America spread Called Seven Years War in Europe but French and Indian War in the Americas

Causes of the War Overlapping territories in the Americas Competition over Ohio Valley – high levels of resources and furs Differences in colonial beliefs and mentalities

Differences in Colonial Strategies British French Started on Eastern coast (Massachusetts – Jamestown, Plymouth, etc) Developed towns and villages (forts) Focused on individual settlement of colonies and collecting resources Limited positive relations with Natives (some areas better than others) Started near Saint Lawrence River (in now Quebec, Canada); Spread further into heart of territory as focus was on fur trade and conversion of Natives to Christianity Limited interest in creating towns Better relations with Native tribes Led to military alliances in war

Immediate Cause of War Dispute over Ohio Valley (other side of Appalachian Mountains) France – claimed as New France Britain – claimed as part of Virginia British colonists moving in angered France; France started building fortified forts Virginia governor sent mission (led by G. Washington) warning France that they must leave “English territory”; France rejected it

Outbreak of War Building of forts by both sides in Ohio Valley Fort Necessity – English; Fort Duquesne - French Small battles start, winning on both sides France pushes out Virginian colonists – Official Start of War Albany Plan of Union – Albany, New York, 1754 Push to unite against the French for purposes of defense and take over the Iroquois Confederacy Rejected by England – felt make colonies too strong; made colonists start thinking of a union

Early Years of War Battle of Fort Duquesne – won by English (Edward Braddock) Got cocky after win and fell into a trap – mortally wounded and troupes defeated Washington (soldier in the force) took charge and led remainder back to safety France pushed advantage to success, taking multiple forts and territory in upstate New York and Nova Scotia, as well as along some of Great Lakes

Turning the Tide William Pitt – becomes PM of England (1757) Sends more troops and supplies to colonies; gained greater support from colonists English troops serge and start gaining lots of territory Battle at Saint Lawrence River – most fortified French fort 4 month siege (led by James Wolfe); English troops and Iroquois broken by climbing cliff face (thought impossible) at night, taking French by surprise Battle on Plains of Abraham – both Wolfe and French commander killed English went on to capture Montreal – France’s power in N.A broken

Peace War also fought in other areas of the world (India, Central America) and against Spanish territory in Americas Treaty of Paris France gave up Canada and land East of Mississippi (not New Orleans which went to Spain, ally of France) Spain gave up Florida (got Cuba instead); got French lands West of Mississippi France kept several islands in Caribbean and Newfoundland (Eastern Canada) Native Americans - ???????