Chapter 5: The Road to War

French and Indian War 1754-1763 This war between Britain and France ended with the victorious British deeply in debt and demanding more revenue from the colonies. With the defeat of the French, the colonies became less dependent on Britain for protection. Also known as the Seven Year’s War in Europe.

French and Indian War Fort Duquesne and Ft. Necessity Both France and England were interested in the Ohio Valley because of the Fur Trade and the important farm lands available for colonists. The French began to build a series of forts along important rivers near the Great Lakes to protect their fur trade interests. Virginia’s Governor sent 21-year old George Washington to tell the French to leave the valley.

Albany Plan of Union: Ben Franklin proposes that the colonies band together, elect a President-General, and create an Army to fight against the French. -plan rejected by both colonies and King General Edward Braddock and Ft. Duquesne Braddock tried to use European tactics 2. French defeated British—Washington escapes. British suffer 500 casualties, French 50

Battle of Ft. Quebec William Pitt becomes new British Prime Minister and focuses on the French and Indian War by sending more troops and generals. British forces start winning and eventually capture Ft. Duquesne and rename it Ft. Pitt. Finally, only Ft. Quebec remains for the French.

British General Wolfe knows that Ft British General Wolfe knows that Ft. Quebec is heavily fortified, so he decides to send commandos up the cliff toward Quebec and sneak the rest of his troops into position throughout the night. The next morning, the French and British engage in battle and by the end of the day the British are triumphant. Both General Wolfe and French General Montcalm are killed in battle.

Treaty of Paris Britain gained Canada and all French lands east of the Mississippi River Britain received Florida from Spain (French ally) Spain received all land west of the Mississippi River (secret treaty with France)

Consequences: 1. Britain main European power in North America. 2. Colonists fought extensively by themselves (no British army). 3. Britain accumulated a huge debt because of the war. 4. Tensions between Colonists and Native Americans become worse. Now that the Ohio River Valley is free of French occupation, British colonists start to settle in the region and begin farming. Native Americans, living in the region, are upset by the new British invasion of their lands.

Pontiac’s Rebellion May 1763 Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe, formed a confederation of Indian tribes against the English. They began attacking British forts and villages on the frontier. Pontiac destroyed many forts and villages but could not defeat Ft. Detroit. After several months of trying, Pontiac and his allies grew tired and quit fighting.

Proclamation Line of 1763 Pontiac’s Rebellion caused concern for the British Monarchy. The British didn’t want to have to send more regular troops to North America to protect the colonists because of the expenses, and they were concerned that many innocent colonists would be killed in future fighting.

The King issued the Proclamation of 1763 banning any further British colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a dividing line between the colonial and Indian lands. It also ordered colonists who had already moved into the Ohio Valley to leave it. The colonists were very upset by this because they felt that because many of them had died to get these lands, that they should be able to use them. They felt that the crown did not have their best interests at heart. Coincidentally, the proclamation was mainly ignored by most colonists.

Sugar Act 1764 -increased duty (or tax) on sugar imported from the West Indies -smuggling increased – colonists protested – duty was lowered

Quartering Act 1765 Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary. This was done to help pay for the debt caused by the French and Indian War.

Stamp Act 1765 This required tax stamps on many items and documents including playing cards, newspapers, and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden.

Townshend Acts These taxes were imposed to help make the colonial officials independent of the colonists and included duties on glass, paper, and tea. Smugglers increased their activities to avoid the tax leading to more troops in Boston. Writs of Assistance were used to find smugglers 1770, Parliament repealed all the Townshend Acts except for the one on tea.

The Boston Massacre 1770 The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed in Boston, arguing over the Townshend Acts. March 5, 1770 an angry crowd argued with British soldiers. Colonist became rowdy and started throwing snowballs at the soldiers. The soldiers opened fire, killing five colonists.

Tea Act 1773 To assist the failing British East India Company, the Company was given a monopoly to trade tea in America. Even though the tea would be less expensive, even with the tax on it, the colonist didn’t want the British to have a monopoly on the colonial tea market.

The Boston Tea Party 1773 A group of colonists ( most likely Sons of Liberty ) disguised as Indians dumped tea overboard from three ships in Boston Harbor as a protest against the British East India Tea Company.

The Intolerable Acts 1774 These were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and placed restrictions on the colonists including outlawing town meetings and the closing of Boston Harbor. 1. Closed the Boston Harbor 2. Increased the power of the Royal Governor (Martial Law) 3. Abolished the Massachusetts Legislature 4. Cut the powers of town meetings 5. British officials would be tried in England 6. Strengthened the Quartering Act 7. Quebec Act: western lands taken from the colonies and given to Quebec-

First Continental Congress 1774 In response to the Intolerable Acts, 12 of the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia from September-October, 1774. One of the main results of this was the creation of The Association calling for a boycott of British goods. 1. Continue boycotts 2. Set up local militias 3. Meet again in May 4. Send supplies to Boston

Battles of Lexington and Concord In April, British troops were ordered to Lexington and Concord to seize stores of colonial gunpowder and to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. At Lexington, open conflict occurred and eight Americans were killed. At Concord, the British troops were forced to retreat with the loss of 70 men. This was the first instance of open warfare. The Shot Heard Round the World

Second Continental Congress All 13 colonies were represented at this meeting in Philadelphia beginning May. The colonists still hoped that their grievances would be met by King George III. George Washington was named head of the Continental Army.