1. French and Indian War Class Notes

2. Introduction: Three times between 1689 and 1748 France and Britain fought each other for power in Europe and in North America. In 1754, fighting between the two nations began again. Cause: The war was caused because the English wanted land in the Ohio River Valley to farm. The French claimed that they owned the land.Ohio River Valley

3. British Leaders: 1. Major George Washington: was sent to deliver a message to the French warning them to leave the Ohio River Valley. He was promoted for his bravery. 2. General Edward Braddock: A very stubborn man. He knew little of fighting in the wilderness. He lost many battles. Colonists: We MUST unite against the French!!

4. 3. William Pitt: Became new leader of Great Britain. He was very well liked. He led the British to victory. 4. Major General Jeffrey Amherst: Was sent by Pitt to capture Louisburg, an important fort in French Canada. 5. General James Wolfe: led the battle against the French in Quebec. He was killed in battle.

5. Details of the War: A. Fort Necessity: (Opening Battle of the War) In 1754, Washington heard that the French had just built Fort Dusquesne near where he was to build a British fort. Washington led a surprise attack against the French and set up Ft. Necessity nearby. B. Albany Plan of Union: 1. Ben Franklin came up with a plan to unite the colonies against the French and get help from the Iroquois. 2. The plan was rejected because none of the colonies wanted to give up power to a grand council. Also, the Iroquois refused to help the British.

6. C. French Advantages/ British Advantages: French Advantages: 1. Many Native American Allies 2. Knew the land well. 3. Had only one government, so they could make decisions quickly. British Advantages: 1. Had 15 times more people than the French. 2. The colonies were along the coast and were easy to defend. 3. Britain had the world’s most powerful navy.

7. D. Major British Losses: 1. In 1755, General Braddock led the British against the French. He was not very popular and knew little about fighting in the wilderness. 2. Braddock’s men moved very slowly because they had to cut down the brush as they went. 3. As Braddock and his troops neared Ft. Dusquesne, the French launched a surprise attack, killing half of Braddock’s men.

8. E. Turning Point of the War: 1. William Pitt became the Prime Minister of Britain in 1757. He was a bold, well-liked ruler. 2. Pitt got the colonies to agree to help support the war by paying higher prices for British goods. 3. Pitt sent Amherst to conquer Louisbourg. Once he did, the Iroquois agreed to help the British fight the French. This is where the war was fought- in the Ohio River Valley.

9. F. The Fall of New France : By 1759, the British began winning more victories. Pitt sent General Wolfe to conquer Quebec. 1. Quebec was vital to the defense of New France because without it, the French would not be able to get supplies to their forts in the Ohio River Valley. 2. General Wolfe attacked the French on the Plains of Abraham. Both he and the French General Montcalme were killed, but the British won the battle.

10. Britain wins! The debt from the war however, will cause Britain to raise $$ -by taxing the colonies G. The Treaty of Paris: 1. Britain gained ALL the land EAST of the Mississippi River and Canada. 2. Spain gave Florida to the British, but in return got all the lands WEST of the Mississippi River because they helped the French. Treaty of Paris Signed in 1763 Ended the French and Indian War

11. Make sure you have taken notes neatly and accurately. There will be a test on this next week.