Why Do We Need to Study the French and Indian War ?

US History

Fort Burrows

The French and Indian War

Why do we need to study the French and Indian War ?

The French and Indian War ( also known as the Seven Year’s War ) was only part of a much larger struggle between France and Britain. The contest of the two European countries for economic and political power spread to North America through their colonies and to the Native Americans, which became allies to both countries. Today, too, conflicts that begin in one region can grow to affect other areas of the world. The terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, is an example of a regional conflict spreading to engulf the United States. The spread of regional conflict makes clear the need for Americans to stay informed about events around the WORLD !!!!

1756 - Seven Years’ War begins in Europe; France vs. Britain

1763 - Treaty of Paris ends French power in North America

Britain’s victory in the French and Indian War ( 7 Years Wars ) marked the end of the French empire in North America.

French and Indian War – war between France and Britain that ended France’s

power in North America; both sides were aided by Indians

Because of --- European Rivals in North America

England, France, Spain and Netherlands competed for trade and colonies

Ö France was the biggest threat

Ö Built forts to protect land claims and keep English colonies from expanding west

Ö Native Americans Choose Sides

Native Americans did not want to give up their Ohio Valley land to settlers

So,,, Native Americans decided to protect their way of life was to take sides in struggle. The Algonquins and Hurons became allies with French who did not destroy Indian lands as trappers and traders. The Iroquois became allies with English who were enemies with Algonquins and Hurons

The French and Indian War Begins

France and Britain fought over power three times between 1689 - 1748. In 1754, fighting broke out again and it has been named the French and Indian War because British were pitted against France and its Native American allies (1756-1763)

In Europe, the conflict involved many nations and called the Seven Year’s War.

In America, war centered on the Ohio River Valley. First shot fired by George Washington’s soldiers. George Washington, age 22, sent by governor of Virginia to build fort at Ohio River. He led 150 men into Ohio country to build a fort. On the way, GW heard French completed Fort Duquesne at the same spot. (GW 1st battle)

700 French and Indians surrounded the fort and causing the Virginians to surrender.

The Albany Congress

Delegates from 7 colonies met in Albany, NY to

1). cement the alliance with the Iroquois and

2). plan a united colonial defense

Benjamin Franklin from PA proposed the Albany Plan of Union to create “one general government” for the 13 colonies.

This Called for Grand Council (representatives from each colony) to make laws, raise taxes and set-up defense of the colonies.

All delegates approved the Plan of Union but NONE of the colonies approved it.

Colonies did not want to give up any power to a central council

Treaty of Paris (one)

In 1763, Britain and France signed the Treaty of Paris which brought the long conflict to an end. This Treaty

1. marked the end of the French power in North America.

2. Britain gained Canada and all French lands east of Mississippi except New Orleans

Proclamation of 1763 – law forbidding English colonists to settle West of the

Appalachian Mountains

Proclamation of 1763

British Government issued the Proclamation of 1763 which drew an imaginary line along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains.

Colonists were forbidden to settle west of the line.

Proclamation was meant to bring order to western lands

To enforce it, Britain stationed 10,000 troops in the colonies

Colonists had to pay for the extra British troops sent to enforce proclamation

Many settlers ignored the proclamation and moved west anyway

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