1. The Struggle for North America
Chapter 4: Empire in Transition

2. North America in 1750

3. The War for Empire in North America, 1754–1763 The Seven Years’ War in America (also known as the French and Indian War) was fought in three areas:
Nova Scotia and what was then Acadia
The frontier between New France and New York
Upper Ohio River

4. 1754  The First Clash The Ohio Valley British French
Fort Necessity Fort Duquesne * George Washington * Delaware & Shawnee tribe

5. 1754  Albany Plan of Union
Developed by Ben Franklin  representatives from New England, NY, MD, PA (first attempt at colonial union)
Albany Congress  failed because the colonies were very reluctant to cooperate with each other.

6. 1755  Britain decided to eliminate French presence in North America
Gen. Edward Braddock  evicted the French from the Ohio Valley & Canada (Newfoundland & Nova Scotia)
Attacked Ohio Valley, Mohawk Valley, and Acadia (French Canada)
Defeated 10 mi. from Ft. Duquesne  by 1,500 French and Indian forces
Conflict existed over religious and commercial interests – both nations wanted exclusive access to raw materials such as timber and fur and French missionaries spread throughout “middle grounds”. Fighting spread to West Indies, India and Europe.

7. 1756  War formally declared between Britain and France
British forces were not able to sustain success against the French - frustration over constant hostilities in border areas - frustration over Braddock’s losses This lack of success continued until 1758, when the French forces started to weaken.

8. 1757  William Pitt Became Foreign Minister
He understood colonial concerns
He offered them a compromise:
Colonial loyalty and military cooperation – Britain would reimburse colonial assemblies for their costs
Ended policy of “impressment” by 1758
RESULTS?  Colonial morale increased by 1758 (and enlistments went up)

9. British and American Colonial Tensions
Colonials
British
Methods of Fighting:
Native-style guerilla tactics
March in formation or bayonet charge
Military Organization:
Colonial militias served under own captains
British officers wanted to take charge of colonials
Military Discipline:
No military protocols observed
Drills and tough discipline
Finances:
Resistance to rising taxes
Colonists should pay for their own defense
Demeanor:
Casual, non-professionals
Fancy and high-brow; officers with servants and tea settings

10. * By 1761, Spain had become an ally of France
 British success
* By 1761, Spain had become an ally of France

11. 1759  Battle of Quebec Battle of Quebec
* Came after a number of successes that boosted the morale of the British/Colonists – Louisburg, Duquesne
* British victory (marked the beginning of the end of the American phase of the war)
French surrendered on September 8, 1760 in North
America (the fighting continued in Europe for another
years)

12. 1763  Treaty of Paris
France --> lost Canadian possessions, most of the empire in India, and claims to lands east of the Mississippi River.
Spain --> got all French lands west of the Mississippi River, New Orleans, but lost Florida to England.
England --> got all French lands in Canada, exclusive rights to Caribbean slave trade, and commercial dominance in India.

13. North America in 1763

14. Post-War Territorial Changes
Before & After

15. Effects of the War on Britain
1. It increased her colonial empire in the Americas.
2. It put Britain in debt.
Created resentment (and, at times, contempt) among the British for the colonists
Therefore, Britain felt that a major reorganization of the American Empire was necessary!

16. Effects of the War on the Colonies
It united them against a common enemy for the first time.
It created a socializing experience for all the colonials who participated.
It created bitter feelings towards the British that intensified over the next 20 years.
Colonists emerged with increased confidence in their military strength.
Strengthened sense of identity; spirit of nationalism (idea of being an “American”) – though the majority of colonists still identified as “British” even after the American victory in the revolution.