The French and Indian War

The French and Indian War 1754 – 1763 Also known as “The Seven Years War”

Fighting Begins • George Washington • Virginian • Gifted in Mathematics • Started out as a land surveyor at age 15 • At age 22, in 1754, sent to lead 150 men to build a fort where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio River • BUT, the French had already build Fort Duquesne where he was supposed to build his fort.

Fighting Begins • George Washington • Washington carries out his orders and surprises the French. They counter-attack and Washington builds Fort Necessity for protection. • They were outnumbered by 700 Frenchmen and Native Americans. • The Virginians surrender and Washington is released by the French and returns home.

The Albany Plan of Union • At the same time, delegates from the 13 colonies are meeting in Albany, New York to create an alliance with the Iroquois and a plan for colonial defense. • Ben Franklin – Pennsylvania – proposes the Albany Plan of Union

The Albany Plan of Union • An attempt to create one central, general government for the colonies • Called for a GRAND COUNCIL of representatives from each colony to make laws, raise taxes, and set up defense of the colonies • Delegates vote to accept it but when they returned to their colonies it was rejected by the colonial assemblies – no one wanted to give up individual colonial control. • Ben Franklin is disappointed. 

During the War • General Braddock leads the British through several defeats. He was stubborn and had little experience in America. • Fort Duquesne – Braddock is fatally wounded and nearly half the British troops are killed our wounded • The war goes badly for the British for two years

The Fall of New France • William Pitt becomes the new head of British government • He is more successful • Begins to capture important French forts and wear down the French troops.

Battle for Quebec • Quebec was VITAL to New France • Without Quebec, the French could not supply their forts farther up the St. Lawrence River • City sat on the edge of the Plains of Abraham – a steep cliff above the St. Lawrence River • Both Generals die in the intense battle – but the British won

Treaty of Paris • Brings the fighting to an end • Marks the end of French power in North America • Britain gains Canada and all French lands east of the Mississippi River except New Orleans • Spain received all French land West of the Mississippi • Spain gave Florida to the British

Map Assignment • Color the maps we glued into the spirals. • Map 1 – p.139 • Map 2 – p. 144

Wikispaces Assignment • Answer the questions regarding the Join or Die cartoon on Wikispaces by Sunday, October 17th at midnight.

The French and Indian War