The French and Indian War The war leads to growing tensions between Great Britain and its colonies

France and Britain: Rivals for an Empire France’s North American Empire • France claims St. Lawrence River region, Mississippi Valley •1754, French colony of New France has small population Fur traders, Catholic priest missionaries • French have good relations, military alliances with natives

The War Begins France and Britain fight two inconclusive wars in early 1700s French build Fort Duquesne in Ohio Valley Land already promised to Virginia planters by governor •In 1754, George Washington is sent to evict French Fort Necessity, French counterattacked •French and Indian War begins—4th war between Britain and France

Early French Victories General Edward Braddock’s army ambushed near Fort Duquesne Cowardice of British versus colonial militia Washington: “the Virginia troops showed a good deal of bravery, and were near all killed…[but the British soldiers] broke and ran as sheep pursued by dogs and it was impossible to rally them.” 1755–1756, British lose repeated battles to French and native allies Why?

Pitt and the Iroquois Turn the Tide William Pitt helps British win battles Borrows money to create well equipped army Iroquois joins the British •In 1759, British capture of Quebec at Plains of Abraham leads to victory in war Treaty of Paris ends war (1763) Britain gains new land Allows Spain to keep land west of Mississippi Victory Brings New Problems for American Indians Ottawa leader Pontiac fears loss of land; captures British forts • British use smallpox as weapon; Native Americans greatly weakened • Proclamation of 1763—colonists cannot settle west of Appalachians