The French & British Clash

Chapter 4 Section 3

Background 1700s French & English two of the

strongest powers in Europe Two countries had been fighting since late

1600s Consisted of four total conflicts, the last

of which became known as the French and Indian War

The first three conflicts were indecisive and only the fourth settled the conflict

Towards Hostilities French had dominated the fur trade

throughout Canada and the Ohio River Valley

As the British colonies in the east became more populated and prosperous, their citizens began to look towards the rich lands across the Appalachian mountains

Staking a Claim Brits build fort Pickawillany deep into

the Ohio territory to establish position French quickly attack and counter

with their own forts close to the boarder of the colonies

French and Brits begin raiding and capturing land in present day eastern Canada & New England

Forts!!!

Picking sides Both French & Brits recognize the

importance of Native American allies (trade & warfare)

French had better relationship with Natives b/c:1. interest in furs more than land

2. married Native women and followed customs

3. missionaries worked to convert natives

Tipping the Scales Iroquois confederacy: most power

group of Native Americans in the East

Iroquois remain neutral as long as possible, trade with both sides

Iroquois eventually give exclusive trade rights to Brits= advantage

George Appears! Virginians want to move into Ohio River

Valley 1753: Gov. Dinwiddie sends 21 year-old

planter & surveyor George Washington to talk to the French

Mission: tell the French that they were trespassing on British Property

Mission status: FAILURE, French tell Washington they’ll keep the land

2nd round 1754: Washington sent back to Ohio

country with a militia Militia: a group of civilians trained to

fight in emergencies Mission: build a fort at site of present-

day Pittsburgh Problem: French already building Fort

Duquesne

2nd Round Plan B: Washington establishes a small

post nearby- Fort Necessity Washington is outnumbered but attacks

a French scouting party French then surround and defeat

Washington’s forces Washington’s hailed as a hero who

struck first blow against French

Albany Union Colonial ambassadors meet to discuss

war threatGoal: 1. find defense against French

2. persuade Iroquois to join Brits Albany Plan: a central gov. would tax,

raise troops, and regulate trade No colonies approve: do not want to

give up power