French and Indian War Section 3.4

Main Idea The French and Indian War established British dominance in North America but put a strain on the relationship with the colonists.

French North America The French dominated the areas west and north of the 13 colonies. The French had close ties to the Hurons and other American Indian groups through the fur trade. The close contact of French and English colonists often lead to feuds over land use.

French North America

New Spain The Spanish also threatened the English colonies along the border of Florida.

George Washington Washington was a young officer in the British Army at the start of the FaI War. GW was sent into French territory to “politely” ask them to leave. The French refused, and GW’s men opened fire, starting the French and Indian War.

War Begins Disputes over territory lead to fighting. The French and Indian War became part of a larger global battle between France and the UK (Seven Years War). Although some AI groups helped France, others helped the British. The powerful Iroquois League sided with the British. Of course, the 13 colonies belonged to Britain, naturally they assisted their “mother country”.

Allies French United Kingdom (England) Spain Various American Indian groups French colonists (Canada) United Kingdom (England) Iroquois League British colonists (13 colonies)

Albany Plan 1754: Benjamin Franklin calls together the colonies. BF suggests that the 13 colonies form a “council” to deal with the war with France. The colonies do not unite, but it marks the 1st attempt to unify the colonies for a cause.

War Efforts The war went very poorly for the British early. The French won victory after victory. Washington appeared to be the only good British officer. Finally, Parliament picked William Pitt to be Prime Minister. Pitt redirected the army away from the frontier and toward the largest Canadian settlements. The victories at Quebec and Montreal sealed the war as a British win.

Battle Front

Treaty of Paris 1763: UK wins Gains Canada and all lands east of the Mississippi River Spain lost Florida to UK, also gained Louisiana

Effects of the War The 13 colonies became more united through their efforts to win the war. The British win was costly. In order to regain the $ spent fighting, England began to tax the colonies. Pontiac’s Rebellion: 1762; after the war AI leader Pontiac united the AI of the Northwest against the British. Pontiac was eventually forced to surrender.

Proclamation of 1763 After Pontiac’s Rebellion the British decided to outlaw the westward movement of the colonists. They reserved all land west of the Appalachian Mountains for American Indians. The British justified this because the cost of keeping peace between AI and settlers was high. The colonists resented what appeared to be favoritism for the Indians over themselves.