Very Brief Introduction - French and Indian War

1. Mid 1700s - There are tensions between the French and British in north america over territory.  Each European country is building a global empire and wants control of the resources of the “new” continent.

2. 1753 - A very young colonist, George Washington, carries British royal orders to French Captain Legardeur to desist occupying British territory.  Legardeur refuses. In a subsequent battle, Washington defeats the French, but the fighting is not over yet.

3. 1754 - Washington’s forces quickly build Ft. Necessity as defense against ongoing attacks.  The French seize the fort and Washington resigns his royal post.

4. 1756 -  France and Britain declare war on one another.  In America this war is called The French and Indian War.  In Europe it is called The Seven Years War which was also fought between France and England in Europe and India.

5. Twelve North American Indian tribes were allies of the French fighting against the British and their American colonists.  Battles were fought in what is now USA and Canada.

6. 1760 - fighting slowed - Britain had largely won.

7. 1763 - Treaty of Paris -

1. All French territory east of the Mississippi River, except New Orleans, is ceded to Britain.
2. France formally retains territory west of the river and New Orleans.  (This territory had been secretly given to Spain.)
3. Some islands in the Caribbean are returned to France.

8. Resulting Effects:

1. Britain

1. Greatly expanded empire
2. Very large war debt
3. Some resentment against colonists for contributing too little to war effort

2. France

1. Loss of Canada and the valuable Great Lakes fur trade
2. Defeat on world stage

3. American colonists

1. Land west of the Mississippi River beckons growing population
2. Rage at Britain over Proclamation of 1763 (restricts westward expansion)
3. The colonies have had experience working together against a common enemy.   

4. Indians

1. Farming British colonists were to replace wilderness-living French colonists
2. Distaste and fear of British colonists’  lifestyles led to Pontiac’s War

5. Spain

9. Some of the important people:

1. George Washington
2. William Pitt
3. General James Wolfe
4. Ottawa Chief Pontiac

More detailed information

Timeline and newsletter  https://www.frenchandindianwarsociety.org/timeline/

Maps and commentary:  http://geo.msu.edu/extra/geogmich/frenchindian_war.html

Ft. Necessity https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lieutenant-colonel-george-washington-builds-fort-necessity

Brief Introduction to George Washington

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