THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR Battle for a Continent The “First” World War

Importance of the Seven Years’ War Involved many countries and colonies: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and the Caribbean Britain, Prussia and Hanover vs. France, Austria, Sweden, Saxony, Russia and Spain

Britain Britain did not fight in Europe (Prussian & German allies did this) Focused on destroying the French colonies and merchant fleets gain commercial superiority. France’s military was tied down helping their ally – Austria could do little outside Europe

Causes The protestant nations in Germany were allied under the Prussians attacked the Austrians (who were allied to the French) The British, because of their ties to Germany (Hanover) were willing to join in – against the French. They had already been at war with them anyway in NA for the last 2 years.

The French and Indian War: The New World French-Native force expelled British colonists from the Ohio valley. Region was in dispute over illegal immigration by the British Major George Washington tried to retaliate by attacking a French detachment Washington was forced to surrender This is the beginning of fighting in North America

The British Attack …again The British send reinforcements and plan a 3 prong attack on the French. 1. Maritimes (Fort Beausejour) 2. Lake Champlain River Valley, and Niagara 3. Up the Ohio River- Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh)

The French Prepare French reinforce Louisbourg before British can attack British attack in Acadia (Fort Beausejour) British discover local Acadians armed in the fort. Result = deportation of the Acadians (1755)  The Grand Derangement War officially declared in 1756!!!!!

Oath of Allegiance

The Deportation

French Re-engage More French troops arrive under the Marquis de Montcalm Had limited resources - keep the British on the defensive Canadian and Aboriginal raids wear down the frontier settlements of the British colonies British send another 23,000 troops to contain the threat and blockade the French ports

The Tide Turns the tide turned against the French Louisburg captured – opens up Quebec for attack Fort Frontenac (Kingston, ON) French cannot send more troops to Montcalm Each reversal dwindles his available reserves of soldiers.

1759 Plains of Abraham Major General James Wolfe brings 9000 men to Quebec On September , the Battle of the Plains of Abraham ends with the defeat of Montcalm and Quebec surrenders A year later the French besiege the British in Quebec British Navy sails up the St. Lawrence and lifts the siege

Occupation New France officially surrenders on September 8, 1760 New France falls under British military occupation

Back in Europe… France and Spain are frustrated Plan to invade England with a combined French / Spanish force. British Navy rules the waves Negotiations for peace begin in 1761 France is willing to give up Canada Keep colonies in Asia and Caribbean British willing to settle as trouble from the 13 Colonies was growing.

The Treaty of Paris 1763… Britain’s Gains Britain gets: 1. Cape Breton Island 2. Canada (Great Lakes and area east of the Mississippi River 3. Florida (from Spain)

The Treaty of Paris 1763… French Gains France Gets: fishing rights in Newfoundland / Gulf of St Lawrence acquire Saint Pierre and Miquelon as a fishing station Keep Haiti / Guadalope / Martinique / St. Lucia Keep Senegal (Africa) Keep holdings in South East India

What about the Canadians? Britain guarantee Canadians limited freedom of worship- quite significant! Roman Catholicism okay – Jesuits not! Exchange of prisoners was arranged Canadians given 18 months to leave and go back to France or elsewhere if they so chose

So everything is settled right? Not so much… British have to manage a group of settlers who are still French uprisings? British are in the large towns – not the whole region They make allowances for culture / land ownership angers the loyal American colonists - Protestants They wanted Expulsion redux!!!!!!!!!!!!  12 years later  American colonies revolt (British subjects now rebelling against England)