Module 3: The French and Indian War (1754-1763)

What was the French and Indian War called outside of North America?

The Seven Years’ War.

Who were England’s main allies in the Seven Years’ War?

Prussia.

Who were France’s main allies in the Seven Years’ War?

Austria, Spain, and Russia.

What was the “Diplomatic Revolution” or “Reversal of Alliances”?

When France and Austria switched alliances, with Austria trying to regain land lost to Prussia.

What strategy did England use to focus on naval warfare and colonial territories?

The “Blue Water” strategy.

What region caused the French and Indian War to begin?

The Ohio River Valley, especially around the Three Rivers area (modern Pittsburgh).

Who was the young Virginia officer whose actions helped ignite the war?

George Washington.

What was the name of the fort Washington built in southwestern Pennsylvania?

Fort Necessity.

What happened at the Battle of Jumonville Glen?

Washington’s forces defeated the French, and Native allies led by “Half King” killed and scalped Commander Jumonville.

What was George Washington’s only military surrender?

At Fort Necessity.

What large English force was later sent to capture Fort Duquesne?

About 2,000 troops under General Edward Braddock.

Why did Braddock’s army struggle to advance?

They had to cut a road (Braddock’s Road) through the wilderness.

What happened to Braddock’s forces at the Monongahela River?

They were ambushed and defeated by French and Native American forces.

What was Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union?

A proposal for a colonial government with a Grand Council and President General.

Why was the Albany Plan proposed?

Fear of French and Native American attacks.

Why did the Albany Plan of Union fail?

Colonial governments and England rejected it.

What was the Iroquois Confederation’s stance in the Albany meeting?

They chose to remain neutral.

What happened to the Acadians after the English victory in Nova Scotia?

They were expelled to Louisiana, where they became known as Cajuns.

What novel and movie depicted the surrender of Fort William Henry?

The Last of the Mohicans.

Who helped turn England’s war fortunes around with better strategy and supply?

William Pitt the Elder.

What key fort’s capture opened the way for a naval assault down the St. Lawrence River?

Louisbourg.

What fort was abandoned and burned by the French before being taken by General Forbes?

Fort Duquesne.

What does “Annus Mirabilis” mean and what did it describe?

“The Year of Miracles,” referring to England’s victories in 1759.

What was the most consequential English victory in North America during the war?

The capture of Quebec at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

Who were the two generals killed during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham?

French General Montcalm and English General James Wolfe.

What does Wolfe’s heroic pose in the painting symbolize?

The French defeat, shown by the French royal flag.

Which two major cities fell to the English, effectively ending the land war in North America?

Montreal and Detroit.

Which two important locations did the English navy capture from Spain during the war?

Havanna, Cuba, and Manilla, Philippines.

What treaty ended the French and Indian War?

The Treaty of Paris.

Why were England and France eager to end the war?

The high cost of war.

What territory did England gain from France east of the Mississippi River?

Almost all French land, except a few islands at the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River.

Why did France consider its Caribbean islands more valuable than Canada?

They produced sugar, which was highly profitable.

What territory did France give to Spain after the war?

Louisiana, including New Orleans.

What territory did England gain from Spain?

Florida, including Saint Augustine.

What happened to the Calusa people after English control of Florida?

They moved to Cuba.

What did England return to Spain in exchange for Florida?

Havanna and Manilla.

Why did William Pitt the Elder resign?

He disagreed with giving up the Caribbean islands, Havanna, and Manilla.

What religious right did the treaty grant to French Canadians?

The liberty to practice Catholicism.

Why did this religious liberty cause tension with English colonists?

Most colonial Protestants were suspicious of Catholics.

Which later law brought these religious tensions to a peak?

The Quebec Act.

What fishing rights were given to the French in the treaty?

Rights to fish and dry on part of Newfoundland’s coast.

Why did fishing rights remain an issue for centuries?

Disputes over access and quotas continued into the modern era.

What larger lesson does the treaty show about advantages gained in war?

Great advantages can create great problems.