The French and Indian War

Before The War (Mid 1700’s)Before The War (Mid 1700’s)Power struggles between European countries becameworldwide struggles for empires.

Britain: 13 colonies and northern Canada

France: New France and Louisiana - From St. Lawrence River west to Great Lakes Great Lakes & south to Gulf of Mexico

Spain: New Spain, Florida, & west of Rockies

ConflictConflict

Conflict overThe Ohio River Valley

English:Traders pushing west

French:Linked Canadianlands withMississippi settlements

Native Americans Chose Native Americans Chose SidesSidesThey thought it was the only way to protect their

culture.

Why France?1. Most French were

traders who didnot destroy

hunting grounds.2. Many French trappers

had married NativeAmerican women.

3. Strong alliancesalready established.

Why England?- Because of Native American enemies siding with France (Like Iroquois)

Native Americans Choose Native Americans Choose SidesSides

Fighting Breaks Out (1754)Fighting Breaks Out (1754)Named The French and Indian War because it pittedEngland against France and its Native American allies.

Perspective?English

Center of dispute:The Ohio River Valley

George Washington’s RoleGeorge Washington’s Role22 years old

Assignment:Build a fort whereMonongahela andAllegheny riversmet Ohio river.

George Washington’s RoleGeorge Washington’s RoleTo his surprise: The French had just built Fort Duquesne

at the same location.

Attacked Frenchscouts

Fort NecessityFort Necessity

Makeshift English fort surrendered to French.

Albany Congress (1754)Albany Congress (1754)Delegates from 7 colonies gathered in Albany, NY

Franklin’s “Albany Plan of Union”

Create “one general government” for 13 colonies

Create a “Grand Council” made up ofRepresentatives from each colony.1. Would make laws.2. Would raise taxes.3. Would set up defense of colonies.

Albany Congress accepted Franklin’s Albany Plan butcolonial assemblies did not. Why?They did not want to give up their power to a centralcouncil.

British Defeats (1755-British Defeats (1755-1757)1757)General Braddock

and his army(which includedWashington)defeated bysurprise attackwhile trying toinvade FortDuquesne.

Why?Were slow, noisy, and ignored warnings fromWashington and Native Americans.

More British defeats:Lost forts at Lake Ontario and Lake George

The Tide Turns (1757)The Tide Turns (1757)1757: William Pitt became new head of British

government.

His first priority is to win the war in North America.1. Britain’s best generals are sent.2. Large payments made to colonists for military service and supplies.

Louisburg is captured:Most important fortin French Canada.

Fort Duquesne iscaptured & renamedFort Pitt (will(become Pittsburgh)

Fall of New France (1759)Fall of New France (1759)1759: Pitt sends General James Wolf to capture Quebeca. The capital of New France.b. Without Quebec, the French could not supply other

forts up the St. Lawrence River.c. Plan: Climb steep cliff because it is poorly guarded.d. 4,000 British troops assembled on Plains of Abraham.

Fall of New France (1759)Fall of New France (1759)Both Wolf (British general) and Montcalm(French general) died.

September 18, 1759: Quebec surrendered to the British.

The Treaty of ParisThe Treaty of Paris

1763: Britain and France sign The Treaty of Paris.a. Marked the end of French power in North America.b. Britain received: Canada and French lands east of

the Mississippi River. Florida from Spain.

c. Spain received: French lands west of Mississippi River and New Orleans.