The French and Indian War (The Seven Years’ War) 1756-1763 US/AZ History Poston Butte High School Unit 2.1

The French and Indian War Main Idea The French and Indian War established British dominance in North America but put a strain on the relationship with the colonists Lecture Focus How did France develop and empire in N. America? What were the causes of the French and Indian War? What were the effects of the French and Indian War on American colonists? Native Americans? British?

France in North America 1608- Champlain (explorer) started permanent French Settlement at Quebec Champlain made allies of Algonquin and Huron natives in the area to protect the fur trade. French helped their allies against the Mohawks French traders lived in Native American villages, learned languages, married local women Map of New France (Champlain, 1612)

North America- 1750

The French and Indian War The French and Indian War (1754-1763) became part of a larger war between France and Britain, The Seven Years’ War. The Sides The French and their Native Allies The British and their Native Allies V.S.

Causes of the French and Indian War French controlled the Ohio River Valley English Colonists continued to move further west. English colonists moved into land controlled by Native allies of French, forced them out. French native allies would raid English settlements. Basically, just looking for a reason to fight

Causes of the French and Indian War Tensions between Native tribes causes different tribes to take sides The Huron and Ottawa The Iroquois League French Allies British Allies

The Iroquois League Alliance of Native Americans that were allied with Britain (Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora) The alliance had a constitution and a council of leaders Traditional allies of the French, but didn’t want to take sides until it was clear which side was winning British secured the support of the Iroquois League through bribes and gifts

The Albany Congress & The Albany Plan of Union 1754 British officials believed war with France was imminent Urged colonial leaders to prepare for common defense Held in Albany in the Spring of 1754 Meeting between native leaders, colonial officials, and representatives from 7 of the British Colonies The Albany Plan of Union Proposed by Benjamin Franklin Provisions of the plan Each colony would keep its own constitution, while a grand council would deal with military issues, Native American relations, and Western Settlement Was Never Approved!! Historical Significance: Was the first attempt to unite the colonies into one social, economic, military, and political entity

Fighting Begins Fort Duquesne Fort Necessity French fort built near present day Pittsburgh British attempt to take, which is the first major action of F & I war British lose miserably, retreat to Ft. Necessity Fort Necessity Built out of need to house supplies for English troops Washington tried to hold against French Miserable loss for England, Washington surrenders Washington claimed he was protecting the supplies of ammunition and rum from his own men whom he called “loose and idle”

British-American Colonial Tensions Ignite During the War Colonials British March in formation or bayonet charge. Methods of Fighting: Indian-style guerilla tactics. Military Organization: Colonial militias served under own captains. British officers wanted to take charge of colonials. Military Discipline: No military deference or protocols observed. Drills & tough discipline. Colonists should pay for their own defense. Finances: Resistance to rising taxes. Demeanor: Prima Donna British officers with servants & tea settings. Casual, non-professionals.

The War Continues The first years of the war went badly for the British. The French won battle after battle. British officers in America: Forced colonists into the army Seized supplies Sent soldiers to stay in colonists’ houses When colonists resisted these actions, more British soldiers were sent from England to fight in the war. In 1758, the British began winning the war. 13

The Treaty of Paris (1763) Treaty formally ended the war in Europe and the French & Indian War in North America. Britain gained all French land east of the Mississippi River, including much of what is now Canada. 14

Effects of the War on Britain? 1. It increased her colonial empire in the Americas. 2. It greatly enlarged England’s debt, totally around 130 million British Pounds.. Members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Greenville, believed that colonists should have to pay some of the debt incurred from the war, seeing that the colonists benefitted from the French expulsion from North America. Greenville also believed colonists should pay for the standing army Britain kept in America, meaning soldiers’ salaries would be paid by the colonists. Therefore, England felt that a major reorganization of her American Empire was necessary!

Effects of the War on the American Colonials It united them against a common enemy for the first time. It created a socializing experience for all the colonials who participated. It created bitter feelings towards the British that would only intensify.

Effects of the War: Proclamation of 1763 Reserved the land west of the Appalachian Mountains for Native Americans to prevent further disputes and violence between settlers & Indians Gave British officials control of westward migration British increase colonial taxes to pay for British troops patrolling the line Not widely enforced due to bribery and lack of numbers of troops for enforcement Slowed movement out of cities that were centers of trade and prosperity 17