1. Pre French and Indian War
Stepping Stones to War
Pre French and Indian War

2. British- French Rivalry
As the pop increased Britain wants to expand
British see more opportunity in the Ohio River Valley BUT French already claim it!!
Ohio River Valley- VERY important due to FUR TRADE with Native Americans
Britain and France = powerhouse countries in 1700s (both competing for wealth)
Why Fight?
Resources and Land  1. trade 2. fishing grounds

4. Native Americans Take Sides
Everyone wants Native Americans on their side!
Why?  best trade term=help win control
French had allies with Native Americans
Interested in trade, not taking control of land
More tolerant of Native American ways
** French marry Native American women, let them maintain own culture
Native Americans decide to help French….. HOW?
by raiding British settlements

5. What might this picture suggest?

6. Iroquois Nation Most powerful group in the East (NY)
Remained Impartial by trading with both British and French
“Play ‘em against each other” = domination around Great Lakes
Increase in pressure as British keep pushing into Ohio Valley ( write up trading rights…. Side with Britain/allies)

7. American Colonist Want Ohio Valley….
Virginia governor (Robert Dinwiddie): sends a 21 yr old George Washington to Ohio Valley
Washington’s Mission?  tell French their trespassing, they must leave
French Say… “it was their absolute design to take possession of Ohio….and by God they would do it!”

9. British Won’t Take it!
1754: Dinwiddie appoints Washington Lt. Colonel…..sends BACK to Ohio with militia
What is Militia?group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies
SO….now we have George Washington plus 150 men
Why back to Ohio?
Need to build a fort (assert dominance)BUT…..
French already have one there…..Fort Duquesne

11. Washington’s Revenge….
Washington builds Fort Necessity nearby An inexperienced Washington and his militia attack French scouting party…..but…. IT FAILS!! 1. French surround Washington 2. Colonist must surrender ***Washington is seen as a hero for 1st blow against French even though he was defeated

12. Albany Plan of Union June 1754- reps of colonies meet
GOAL?  Find a way to work together and defend themselves from French
Ben Franklin: comes up with Albany Plan of Union
1 general govt
1 single elected legislature would govern all colonies and would have power to collect taxes, increase troops, and regulate trade
No one approves! No one wants to give up power!

13. “Everyone cries; a union is necessary, but when they come to the manner and form of the union, their weak noodles are perfectly distracted.”

14. War is Declared!!
Fort Necessity marks the beginnings of a series of attacks…. French and Indian War is underway!