1. Seven Years War & The Battle of the Plains of Abraham
Canadian History 11

2. The War of Austrian Succession ended with the Peace of Aix-La-Chapelle.

3. An uneasy peace held for almost eight years.

7. Austria and France had been ancient enemies—now they were on the same side!

8. They wanted to keep Prussia from expanding in the East.

9. In the new world, the French were successful in seeking the alliance of the Indian leaders—hence, this war is called the French Indian War in North America.

10. In 1758, Louisburg, the great fort that had been captured and returned by the English during the War of Austrian Succession, was captured once again.

11. Background
Seven Year’s War – both Europe and North America ( )
In Canada, early French success, more manpower and forts
Later ( ), British success – more money, men are allotted, power of Royal Navy
1759
New France faced odds of nearly 3 to 1in terms of ships,
4 to 1 in terms of regular soldiers.
10 to 1 in money

13. Main Players
James Wolfe – commander of British invasion fleet sent to take Quebec
Invasion force = 13,500 men, 4000 in strike force (mostly regular soldiers)

14. Main Players France – Marquis de Montcalm
Approximately 4500 men (mostly militiamen)

16. Problems with French Defense
Walls facing the Plains of Abraham had no gun reinforcements
Under cover of fire, Royal Navy could transport its ships up the river without counterattack
French failed to establish a password for a French convoy expected to bring supplies on the night of September 12
The British attack was a complete surprise – French sentries on the shore thought that the boats gliding past them were part of the French convoy.

17. The Plains of Abraham
Wolfe deployed 4500 troops on the Plains of Abraham, the grassy field near the unarmed western walls of the fort
Montcalm makes a fatal error- Instead of waiting for Colonel de Bougainville to arrive with 3000 regulars stationed at Cap Rouge, 15 km upstream, he impulsively attacks

18. The Battle Unfolds
British strategies – Three quarters of men deployed in one line in a concentration of firepower
When the French army was only 40m away, the command to fire was given and the French were devastated, their lines in chaos
Retreated up the St. Lawrence River
Battle lasted less than 30 minutes
The two forces were numerically equal, however, the
British force was well trained
French, poorly trained militiamen

19. Wolfe Dies on the Battle Field

20. In 1759, French Canada (Quebec) falls to the English in the great battle called the Plains of Abraham.

21. British Gains in North America