French and Indian War The fight for control of North America

Conflict Between French & British  Britain & France competed for empire  1754 – New France had 70,000 people, British colonies had 1,000,000 – both were expanding  Fur traders & priests  French had trade alliance with natives

 1754, French built Fort Duquesne on land English claimed  Militia led by Washington built Ft. Necessity, tasked with driving out French  Washington surrendered (and admitted to assassinating a French officer)

Recreation of Ft. Necessity

Causes of the F&I War  Fight for world empire  Britain and France claimed same land in Ohio River Valley  French built Ft. Duquesne  British build Ft. Necessity, engaged in conflict

 Washington showed bravery, colonists saw weakness in British army  1757 – King George II sent William Pitt to run gov’t in colonies  British started to win, Iroquois joined them  1759 – Gen. Wolfe attacked Quebec, British won (he and French leader died in battle)

Treaty of Paris  Officially ended war  Britain got N. America east of Mississippi (including Canada)  Spain got French land west of Miss. River  France kept a few islands

Benefits of War  Ironworkers, shipbuilders & farmers profited  Acquisition of FL meant slaves couldn’t run there  United the colonies, self confidence  Saw weaknesses in British army  Washington gained reputation for bravery  Britain built empire

Victory Brings Problems   George Grenville – Prime Minister of England, policies would alienate colonies   Natives feared growing # of British   Pontiac led rebellion in Ohio River Valley, captured 8 forts   Smallpox infested blankets given to peace negotiators, natives gave in

Victory Brings Problems  Proclamation of 1763 – British set line, said colonists couldn’t expand west of Appalachian Mts (colonists upset)  Disaster for natives on both sides, British harsher on them