History Module 2.8 French and Indian War

What is the significance of the French and Indian war to American history?

England won an overwhelming victory which pushed the French out of America so the colonists didn’t have to worry about them anymore. Colonists could move West. Indians were in trouble because they couldn’t defend themselves as well as before.

What advantages did the British have in the war? What advantages did the colonists have in the war?

The British had numbers, money, a powerful navy, and colonial infrastructure. Colonists’ advantages included local knowledge, frontier skills, personal motivation, quick militia response, and greater numbers compared to the French.

George Washington:

A surveyor whose family helped to found the Ohio company, gave the command to fire on French soldiers near present-day Uniontown, Pennsylvania. This incident proved to be a decisive decision that led to imperial war.

What was the outcome of the Albany Congress?

The goal was to try to get the Iroquois to side with the English to coordinate defense of the colonies.

Outcome: Iroquois remained neutral and not one assembly approved the plan.

What were the provisions of the Treaty of Paris?

France lost most of it’s N. American territories.

French Canadians became British subjects.

Louisiana territory to Spain.

Spain gave Florida to Britain.

Established the supremacy of Britain in North America.

In what ways was the French and Indiana war a positive experience for the American colonists?

The French and Indian War gave colonists military skills, a stronger sense of unity, new lands to settle, increased confidence, and reduced threats — all of which helped shape the future United States.

General Edward Braddock:

• He led an expedition to capture the French-held fort at Fort Duquesne (present-day Pittsburgh).

• Braddock’s army included British regulars and colonial militia.

• He used traditional European military tactics, which were poorly suited for fighting in the dense forests of North America.

The Battle of the Monongahela (1755) Ambushed by French and Indians, 70% of his troops were killed.

Acadians:

French colonists who lived in Nova Scotia had to leave, landed in Louisiana and became known as Cajuns.

William Pitt:

British secretary of state. Sent more troops and money to the colonies to strengthen the fight against France.

• Supported colonial militias and hired skilled commanders.

• Encouraged cooperation between British regulars and colonial forces.

• His leadership helped Britain win key victories, including the capture of Quebec and Montreal.

Seven Years War:

The Seven Years’ War was a major global war that in North America became the French and Indian War, leading to British dominance but also tensions that sparked the American Revolution.