The French and Indian War

British and French Rivalry Aim: to understand the rivalry between Great Britain and France. Their rivalry led to a war for control over North America Essential Question: Why did conflict arise in North American between Great Britain and France?

Hostility: During the 1700s: Britain and France were the two main leading powers in Europe. Both countries competed for wealth and an empire in different parts of the world Bitterness increased when the British had interest in acquiring the Ohio River Valley

1740s: The British tried to take over the Ohio River Valley. The French attached them and drove the Br. Traders out of the Ohio territory. French troops began to raid towns in Maine and NY QUESTION: Maine and NY belong to which European country?

George Washington During this time: he was a young military officer Fought with British forces against the French England and France wanted to control lands west of the Appalachian Mountains

Native Americans take sides The French and the British knew that assistance from Native Americans could help them win control over North America France had the advantage over Britain because they had many Native American tribes as allies

Iroquois Confederacy Most powerful group of Native Americans in the East. Based in the NY area Included 5 Native American nations (Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oneida) This confederacy skillfully played on both countries- never allied with one Mid 1700s- under greater pressure from Br. To move into the Ohio Valley

American Colonists Take Action Washington’s first command: Spring 1754 (he was lieutenant colonel) He was sent to the Ohio Valley with a militia (a group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies)- 150 men Washington arrived fought but was forced to surrender his troops to the French Although he lost, colonists regarded him as a hero because he was bold enough to fight against the French.

During the early states of this war- The colonists fought with very little help from Great Britain 1756- Britain officially declared war on France 1758- there was a wave of successful battles 1759- Britain had many victories and by September of the same year, France was defeated

The Treaty of Paris 1763: France was forced to give parts of Canada and most of its lands east of the Mississippi River to Great Britain The Treaty of Paris marked the end of French power in North America

The Proclamation of 1763 To prevent more fighting, Great Britain called a halt to settlers’ westward expansion. The British set up the Appalachian Mountains as a temporary boundary for the colonies This angered those who owned land companies This led to more conflict between British and the American colonies (especially with taxation and laws)