Early Colonial Conflicts
European Rivalries
Native American Tactics
Influence on Tactics Use of scouts against Native Americans Open formations Use of cover and ambushes More focus on initiative and courage
Influence on Colonists Exploited weaknesses of Indian warfare Lack of guards Vulnerable during the winter Destruction of villages and supplies
The American Militiaman Forced to outfit self Musket Clothing Ammunition Food
The French and Indian War (1756-1763)
Set-Up to the Conflict Three wars between France and Britain over N. America Used colonial troops Navy prevented French reinforcements Largely indecisive (but first use of volunteer forces) Governor Commander Enlisted Men
Ohio Country Natives pushed further inward. France and Britain were both building empires Ohio River Valley most contested
Points of View: French Trade with Native Americans is the basis of France's North American economy British trade and settlements are encroaching Forts built in Ohio River Valley to prevent British influence
Points of View: British The British colonies larger than French land = wealth and opportunity. British settlers want to settle the Ohio Valley Sought more farmland Lucrative trade with the Indians.
Indian’s Point of View A lifestyle to protect Natives had a strong trading relationship with the French and British Dependent on European goods like weapons, rum, metal tools and cloth Needed to protect their trade relationships.
Early Fighting Washington (21 years old) attacked a French patrol in 1753 in Pennsylvania Embarrassing British defeat at Battle of Duquesne Albany Congress formed to negotiate with Natives and prepare for war
French & Indian War Battles With two partners, you will research a battle from the French and Indian War and provide the following on a Google Slide presentation: Belligerent: A nation or person engaged in war or conflict
What you Should Include Location and map of the battlefield Objectives for both belligerents Size of armies & types of units Commanders on both sides Course of the Battle Offensive/Defensive Strategies Decisive moments/turning points Outcome of the Battle Significance of the battle Belligerent: A nation or person engaged in war or conflict
Tips to Get you Started Use reputable websites (avoid .com) .org; .edu; .gov are preferable Recommended to have one slide per bullet point Use Google Slides to share your presentation with each other Get emails/phone numbers to maintain contact Include articles and websites used for the project on a separate slide Ex. “French and Indian War”, History.com
French and Indian War Timeline Sep 1755 Battle of Lake George Sep 1759 Battle of Fort Niagara Aug 1756 Battle of Fort Oswego Sep 1759 Battle of Quebec Aug 1757 Battle of Fort William Henry Nov 1759 Battle of Quiberon Bay June-July 1758 Siege of Louisbourg Sep 1755 Siege of Montreal July 1758 Battle of Carillon March-Aug 1762 Siege of Havana
Lessons Learned Linear tactics must be adapted to terrain Learn guerrilla tactics (surprise, cover, concealment) In short…each have their place in American fighting Difficult logistics Put premium on small, trained units used to the terrain “American Attitude” Individualistic; despises discipline Goal was to return to civilian life
The Aftermath Great Britain France National debt nearly doubled Reservation established for NAs west of the Appalachian Mountains Not respected by colonists Lost territories in North America Maintained sugar trade in Caribbean Contributes to French Revolution in 1790s
The Aftermath Colonists Native Americans Considerable military experience Shaped future American conflicts Preference for militia and volunteer forces Civilian authority over military “American attitude” Mixed results Loss of a powerful ally (France) Some largely unaffected Increased conflict between tribes Driven out by colonists and forced to relocate