The French and Indian War Notes - AKFCS Freshmen

Politics in the 13 Colonies

Colonies of Great Britain, making colonists subjects of the king

What type of government system did the colonies mostly have?

A unitary system where the king (federal govt) had power over the colonies (local govt)

How were the 13 colonies connected politically?

They were separate bodies handling their own business, like a confederacy

What is an example comparing the colonies to the US today?

If the US declared war, all states would fight together; the colonies did not operate this way

What was Salutary Neglect?

The king leaving the colonies alone as long as they did what they were supposed to do

Where did the French and Indian War take place?

Ohio River Valley

Why was the Ohio River Valley valuable?

Abundance of animal furs (especially waterproof beaver fur) and access to the Mississippi River for transporting goods

What started the French and Indian War?

British moved into the Ohio River Valley already claimed by the French, leading to a standoff (George Washington gained fame here)

What fighting style did the British use at the start of the war?

Traditional war: stand in lines, fire muskets (1 bullet each), fight face-to-face

How did the British win the war in the end?

They outspent the French on soldiers, weapons, and supplies, and sent them all to the colonies

What fighting style did the French use?

Guerilla warfare: hide, hit, run, repeat

What was the effect of the French fighting style?

Helped the French win at first

What idea did Ben Franklin propose?

The Albany Plan of Union: all 13 colonies should unite into one force

Why did the king reject the Albany Plan of Union?

He feared colonies would become too strong and harder to control

Why did the king prefer colonies separate?

It is easier to control individuals than large groups

What was the result of the French and Indian War?

Britain wins

What was the Treaty of Paris (1763)?

Ended the French and Indian War

What land did Britain gain from the Treaty of Paris (1763)?

All land from Canada to Florida (north to south) and all land from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains, plus some Caribbean islands

What was a short-term effect of the French and Indian War?

France gave up a lot of land to Britain

What was a long-term effect of the French and Indian War?

Britain gained power in the Americas, colonists felt stronger, Britain became broke, and migration west of the Appalachian Mountains caused conflicts with Native Americans

Who fought against the British in the French and Indian War?

French and mostly Native Americans

Why did Native Americans side with the French?

The French were not settling on Native American land

If France won the war, what would happen to the land?

The land would stay with no settlers

Who fought against the French in the French and Indian War?

Great Britain and Colonists

Why did Native Americans not want Britain to win?

British were settling on Native American land

If Britain won the war, what would happen to the land?

The land would be settled and Native Americans would be pushed out

Why did some Native Americans side with Britain?

They thought they would get rewards like guns or land