French and Indian War (1754-1763)

1. French and Indian War (1754-1763) Starting in 1689 England and France engaged in a series of wars for mastery in Europe, and for commercial and colonial supremacy throughout the world.

2. Beginnings • . In 1754 hostilities began when colonial Virginia militia clashed with French forces for control of the Ohio Valley. Initially, the French won many victories, the most important being their ambush of Gen. Braddock as marched against the French Fort Duquesne. George Washington saved the men from complete disaster

3. Great Britain Prime Minister William Pitt redoubles war effort with troops. • After a series of battles, the French were defeated. The Treaty of Paris (1763) eliminated France as a colonial power in N. America. France ceded (1) to Spain: all French territory west of the Mississippi, as well as the city of New Orleans, and (2) to Britain: Canada and all French territory east of the Mississippi, except New Orleans.

4. Results of the French and Indian War • 1. On the Colonies: The American colonists were favorably affected because they (a) gained self-confidence and valuable military experience, (b) saw the need for colonial unity, (c) had the danger of attack by the French and certain Indian tribes removed from their frontiers and thus became less dependent on the mother country.

5. On Britain • Concentrating on wars against France, Britain had followed a policy of “salutary neglect.” She had permitted her American colonies to exercise virtual self-government and evade Britain’s mercantilist restrictions. Now Britain was determined to change her policy.

6. More results for Britain • Britain believed: (a) the colonists had not cooperated sufficiently in the war against France, (b) had gained much from the victory over the French and the Indians, and (c) should help pay for the cost of fighting the war.

7. Britain’s New Policy For Colonial America • Starting in 1763 the British government adopted a new policy: 1. to place the colonies under strict British political and economic control, (2) to compel the colonists to demonstrate respect for and obedience to English laws, and (3) to make the colonies bear their part of the cost of maintaining the British Empire.