French Exploration of the Americas

French Motives The French came to America for the fur trade France was the fashion capital of the world The French were not interested in riches or land, they just wanted to be business partners with the Native Americas Many Indians became allies with the French

French Exploration of the Americas The French explored areas rich in animal pelts since they were here to further their fur trade They settled in present day Louisiana, the Great Lakes, and Canada

European Settlement & Indian Tribes, 1750

The Seven Years War In 1754, the British and the French began the Seven Years War to determine who would rule in North America The French and Indian War was part of this longer war and actually took place on the North American continent

The French and Indian War The French formed military alliances with many Native American tribes, due to their friendly trade relations They utilized guerilla-type warfare After nine years of fighting, the British won all land east of the Mississippi River

Effects of the War The French loss was also considered a Native American loss Many tribes were punished for siding with the French Ottawa chief, Pontiac, was given small pox infected blankets by the British for having captured eight British forts during the war