The French and Indian War (1756-1763) (In a nutshell)

1. Ch. 4 Sec. 1 The French and Indian War (1756-1763)(In a nutshell)

2. Question • What started all of these taxes imposed upon the colonists? • If England was so powerful, why did they feel the need to place a huge economic burden on the American Colonists?

3. England vs. France • England and France have fought constantly since the late 1600’s. • Most fighting in Europe and India, but eventually spreads to America. • American Colonies need to be ready for war.

5. Spark of War • English and French were interested in the Ohio River Valley • 1753 – French forts were constructed near the Virginian border. • English send George Washington to repel the French. • Fights hard, but 22 year old Washington must surrender =>Becomes hero. • France controls Ohio River Valley.

7. Albany Conference • British gov’t urged colonies to work together to prepare for war. • 7 colonies sent representatives to meet with Iroquois leaders in Albany, New York. • Iroquois promised to remain neutral. • With leadership of Benjamin Franklin, they developed the Albany Plan for the Union

8. Albany Plan Gives colonies the right to… • negotiate treaties • declare war • make peace with Indians • regulate trade with the Indians • make land grants to settlers • govern western lands until colonies were formed • Colonies reject the plan. Not ratified. • Sig: Colonies began thinking about coming together to achieve a goal.

9. The War Begins • British General Edward Braddock leads 1500 militiamen to capture French Fort Duquesne. • George Washington was his aid. • Goes VERY slow. • Washington’s account --“halting to level every molehill and erect bridges over every brook.” • Stopping several times each day to have tea. • Epic fail. Braddock ambushed by Huron Indians • Braddock shot and killed, Washington’s leadership saves troops.

10. Change in English Authority • 1758 – William Pitt becomes new Prime Minister of England. • Focuses attention of war with France to America. • After 2 years of war, England finally defeated France in Quebec. • England and France signed the Treaty of Paris • France loses nearly all of its claims in America

11. Before the War After the War

12. Results of the French and Indian War • France is expelled from North America • Myth of British invincibility is shattered • English view the colonists as undisciplined, lazy • Colonial view is exactly the opposite • Serious debt problems for England • England dominates North America • Colonists begin settling Ohio River Valley – Natives resist

13. Pontiac’s War • Native American Chief Pontiac organizes NA’s to fight against British. • Attack forts, burn towns. • British troops quickly stop attacks. • Leads to Proclamation of 1763. • AKA- Royal Proclamation, Proclamation Line • Drew an imaginary line from north to south along the Appalachian Mountains restricting colonial expansion.