French and Indian War
Objective #1 Trace the growth of a North American rivalry between England and France through the colonial wars, including the Seven Years’ War and culminating in the Treaty of Paris (1763).
Objective #2 Explain how the series of wars with France helped foster greater unity among the British colonies.
Objective #3 Explain how the North American political and military events were affected by developments on the larger European stage.
Objective #4 Explain how and why the French and Indian War became one of the causes of the American Revolution.
Anglo-French Rivalry France established “New France” from Hudson Bay to Gulf of Mexico; Appalachian Mountains to Rocky Mts. Jolliette and Marquette explored Mississippi and Missouri Rivers Rene Robert de LaSalle made it to Gulf of Mexico (canoeing down Miss. R.) England saw Catholic New France as a challenge to their mission and economic competition
North America in 1750
French and English Clash King William’s War (1689-97) Queen Anne’s War (1702-1713) Peace of Utrecht (1713) European war spilled into colonies Native Americans mostly sided with French--fur trade, better treatment Fighting meant higher taxes and inflation in colonies Led to decades of salutary neglect
Westward Expansion Despite population growth, English colonies confined to east of Appalachian Mountains Need for more land England coveted the Ohio Valley
The Ohio Valley in 1750s
Changes for Native Americans European contact meant: European weaponry and acculturation changed purpose of hunting (survival to riches) Intensified tribal warfare Increased frustration with colonists
French Goals for colonization Connect Canada with Gulf of Mexico Keep English colonists pinned against coast “New France” still the goal French set up military outposts in Ohio River Valley to halt English movement westward
Importance of New Orleans Miss R. runs into Gulf of Mexico Control of New Orleans is paramount Growth of plantation slavery in N.O.
England needs Money Glorious Revolution, war in Europe left England economically hurting Want colonists to help pay fair share (mercantilism) Tougher enforcement of Navigation Acts Limits on foreign trade Molasses Act of 1733
English colonists move west Colonists begin moving westward Challenge to French interests 1754: Lt. Col. George Washington sent to expel French out of Ft. Duquesne Loss meant unofficial war with France
Albany Plan of Union (1754) Bring colonies together for defense Only 7 of 13 attend Tried to influence Natives to side with them Bolster unity and defend itself against France Albany Plan was unanimously approved by delegates Individual colonies and Britain rejected the plan
1755: Ft. Duquesne, pt. II General Edward Braddock (w/Washington) attacks and loses again Braddock was commander of all English troops Braddock dies England formally declares war on France in 1756
Early in the war France dominated first 2 years Native Americans sided with France Braddock’s death and England’s losses motivated Native Americans England attempted to unionize to fight with formation of Albany Congress
William Pitt Becomes prime minister in 1757 40,000 troops sent to colonies Goal: Conquer Canada and expel French 1758: Capture St. Lawrence River Iroquois form alliance with England
Battle of Quebec (1759) English captures Montreal in 1760 Natives bailing on French War effectively over by 1760 in colonies Treaty of Paris (1763) ends war
Treaty of Paris (1763) France cedes Canada and all territory east of Mississippi River France gave Louisiana to Spain to compensate them for their alliance during the war. Spain gives Florida to England
North America in 1763
Proclamation of 1763 Ottawa Chief Pontiac attacks English outposts in Detroit Concern over control of colonists if they spread out Proc. Of 1763: land west of Appalachian Mountains reserved for Native Americans No settlers west of Appalachian Mountains
Results of French and Indian War Strengthened colonial economy and confidence Heavy taxes and human toll War trained military and political leaders of American Revolution No longer needed English protection Barriers against unity begin to be removed Colonists wanted rights of Englishmen but not the duties or responsibilities