- King William's War (1689-1697) and Queen Anne's War (1702-1713) pitted British colonists against French fur traders (used primitive guerilla warfare). French gained support from Indians and Spain. The Brits were able to sandwich the French between the colonies and Spanish territory. The British eventually gained extra land, leading to the colonies receiving 'salutary neglect'
-The Ohio River Valley was pivotal in keeping the French Empire together. But, 1749, British Colonists (among them, George Washington) gained legal "rights" to the area. Washington, as lieutenant colonel, was sent with a militia to claim the land in 1754. A fight emerges and the French surrender. The French & Indian War breaks out
-Fought between France and England, in North America, Europe, West Indies, Philippines, Africa, and on the Ocean. Officially declared in 1756.