The French and Indian War Lesson 1
Why a Conflict? ►Both Great Britain and France fought for control of eastern North America ►Great Britain and France were enemies for hundreds of years ►They primarily fought over the Ohio River Valley, which flowed for 1000 miles
Native Americans ►Many Native Americans lived along the Ohio River ►Native Americans had been trading furs for guns and other goods from the French ►Britain wanted to trade with the Native’s as well for the right to farm the land around the Ohio River
George Washington ►George Washington was a young officer sent by the Governor of Virginia in 1754 to lead an army into the Ohio River Valley. ►Met by a large French army who defeated Washington’s army. ►Britain became angry and sent a large army to the New World to begin a war with France.
Choosing Sides ►This war was called the French and Indian War because many Native’s chose to side with the French and fight on their behalf. ►The Native’s were called allies to the French. ►Allies are people or groups who join together for a common goal.
Benjamin Franklin’s Plan ►Benjamin Franklin wanted to unite the colonies, so he held a meeting in New York in 1754 (Albany Congress). ►He believed the colonies could fight better if united. ►Franklin believed the colonies should have their own government, but also a larger one that could help settle disputes.
William Pitt ►Britain was losing the French & Indian war until William Pitt became the leader of Britain’s Parliament (government). ►Pitt sent many ships from Britain to the New World stocked with supplies and men to fight and win this war. ►By 1763, France was ready to surrender.
The Treaty of Paris ►This document outlined the land that Britain owned. British soldiers remained in the Ohio River Valley after the war. ►The Natives wanted the British to leave, and began a rebellion, led by Chief Pontiac. ►Britain defeated the Natives within a year.
A Proclamation of 1763 ►A proclamation is an official PUBLIC statement. ►Britain made a proclamation recognizing the Native’s rights to the land west of the Appalachian Mountains. ►This proclamation upset the colonists’ ►They no longer wanted the British soldiers living among them or felt that they needed their protection.
Colonists Speak Out ►Resentment grew since the colonists’ wanted to farm the land near the Ohio River Valley. ►Colonists were also angry that the proclamation stated they couldn’t move westward onto new land. ►Colonists began to work together to oppose the decisions of their British government.