French and Indian War1756- 1763“The Seven Years War”

Colonial Territories 1750

Ohio River Valley• English French

arguing over who controls the land of Ohio River Valley

• Ohio River Valley important for trade and fur trapping

Armed Conflict Begins• British and French conflict

over Ohio Valley land had been ongoing since 1689

• Prior conflicts settled peacefully until 1753 when armed battle begins

• First introduced to George Washington

Very capable soldier from wealthy plantation family

Plays key military role in French and Indian War

Builds Fort Necessity

Albany Congress• Representatives from 7 colonies meet to discuss:

1. A united colonial effort against the French2. Persuade Iroquois to help British against French

• Results:1. Iroquois refuse to help British (land that is being

fought over is actually IROQUOIS land)

2. Iroquois do not help French either3. Colonies do not form a united government

Albany Plan of Union

• Benjamin Franklin suggests that colonies form “one general government” as war begins

• The colonies do not want to give up their individual powers to a central power

• Albany Plan of Union falls through“Everyone cries a union is necessary. But when They come to the manner and form of the union, their Weak noodles are perfectly distracted.” Ben Franklin

Benjamin Franklin drew this cartoon in Pennsylvania Gazette

What is Franklin saying about the 13 colonies?

Benjamin Franklin draws this famous cartoon in Pennsylvania Gazetter

What does the cartoon suggest about the colonies?

Advantages for each side

British• English colonies had

much higher population

• Colonial settlements clustered together so easier to defend

• Some Indian allies

• British Navy superior

French• Had single government

that could act quickly

• Support of many Indian allies

War Begins• First two years Britain suffered major setbacks

• By 1758, William Pitt a bold British leader began to make British advances

• Pitt able to convince Iroquois to support British

• British capture Quebec, key city to New France’s defense

• British then take Montreal and France is forced to end the war in defeat

Treaty of Paris

• 1763 Treaty signed marking the official end of the war

• British gains:1. Canada and all French land east of Mississippi

river2. Florida (from Spain who had sided with French)

1763 British Territory

Results of War for Britain

• 1. Increases British empire in Americas

• 2. Greatly enlarged Britain’s war debt

• 3. Britain’s contempt for colonies created bitter feelings

o Colonists should help pay for Britain defending themo Britain will begin implementing taxes on colonists to

help pay for war debto General reorganization if its colonies is necessary

Results of War for Colonists

• United colonists towards a joint effort for the first time

• Created a sense of camaraderie for colonists involved

• Created bitter feelings towards British that would soon intensify