French & Indian War – “The Great War for Empire” France and England had been bitter rivals for many centuries. The French and Indian War (1754- 1763) was the last of four North American wars waged from 1689 to 1763 between the British and the French. In these struggles, each country fought for control of the continent with the assistance of Native American and colonial allies.

French & Indian War – “The Great War for Empire” The French and Indian War was a "great war for empire.” The British were determined and eventually successful in attaining a dominant position in North America, the West Indies, and the subcontinent of India.

French & Indian War – “The Great War for Empire” Although the French and Indian War began in America, it expanded into a world war. The French and Indian War stripped France of its North American empire and would affect the relationship between England and the American colonies.

Rivalry in North America In June 1749, the Governor of New France sent a group of men to the Ohio Valley. They hung metal plates on trees that proclaimed that the land belonged to France. Christopher Gist 4

At the same time,Christopher Gist, a Virginia fur trader roamed the Ohio Valley. Gist was summoned by the King George of England to find a Good settlement. On February 1751, he carved his claim to the land on the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers . This set the stage for a battle between France and England over the control of the Ohio River Valley.

Spain had settlements in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. Competing Claims By the mid-1700’s, the worldwide nations were locked in a worldwide struggle for the Americas. France, Spain, England and the Netherlands were in competition for trade in the new colonies. By the Late 1600’s, England had two rivals in North America (Spain and France.) The major threat from Spain was the West Indies and along the border between Georgia and Spanish Florida. . Spain had settlements in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. 6

The Two Sides British 13 Colonies 1.5 million people 13 separate “colonies” Poor Indian Relations European style of fighting New France 80,000 people Strong Central Government 3. Friendly with Indians 4. Ambush Tactics

French & Indian War – Territory at Stake

Causes of the War 1. France & England both want control of the fur trade in the Ohio Valley. 2. Both want control of North America.

French & Indian War – Fur Trade =

Indian Allies France - To protect their claims, France would build a line of forts along the Ohio River Valley. Became allies with: Huron Indians England - England would ally themselves with the Iroquois – (5 Nations) .

The War Ignites!-1754 British send G. Washington to tell the French to leave the Ohio River Valley Fighting breaks out! French Line of Forts British French

The War Ignites! - 1754

Albany Congress 1754 – Colonists meet in Albany, NY: (NE, NY, PA & MD) to: Try to gain support of the Iroquois against the French Failed – Iroquois break off relations with British! Ben Franklin proposes Albany Plan of Union

Albany Plan of Union Albany Plan of Union: Will Unite Colonies – (Iroquois Confederacy) One Colonial Assembly – Central Gov. Plan is refused because: Colonies want to remain separate. British don’t want central government in colonies.

Ben Franklin

Join or Die Cartoon

The War Beginning of war goes very badly for British. (1754-1756) Gen. Braddock Defeated (Ft. Duquesne, 1755) French ambush British march in formation in red coats!

The War British soon gain upper hand with the help of the colonists, leadership of PM William Pitt & excellent Generals. (1758-1761) 1759 Iroquois side with British War will last for Seven Years in Europe (9 years in America). Gen. Wolfe

Treaty of Paris -1763 Treaty of Paris – 1763 France is thrown out of North America British gain Canada & all land east of Mississippi River Spain loses Florida; in return receives all land west of Mississippi River.

North America after the War

Effects on 13 Colonies Colonies: No more threat from France – Felt independent Do we need England to defend us anymore? 2. Gained military experience & leadership (G. Washington).

Effects on England England: Became most powerful nation in the world. Acquired huge war debt. Large empire required troops to protect it. More time to administer colonies.