French and Indian War

Why is it important ?

*this colonial struggle for empire between

britain and france set in motion a series of

events that directly led to the revolution

Dominant world powers

Britain (protestant)

France(catholic)

French empire

Where?

1) most of present-day canada

2) upper midwest

3) west of present-day u.s.

4) new orleans

5) much of mississippi river basin

*sparsely populated

*forged allances with natives

British empire

Where?

1) eastern seaboard (13 colonies)

*population was growing dramatically

*by 1750- americans were outgrowing the 13

colonies

*started migrating westward into french and

native lands causing conflict

Where does the conflict start?

Where… present-day pittsburgh

1753… french built three forts between lake

erie and the ohio river

British… had fur-trading business in this

area

George washington

Was sent… to meet with the french and

persuade them to leave

French… did not cooperate

Washington… leaves

Return visit

Washington and a small army… are sent

back to remove french by force

Initial ambush… washington and his men

killed 10 and captured 21 prisoners

Retreats… outgunned and outnumbered

Fort necessity

Washington retreats to… fort necessity

Eventually… surrenders (only time in his

career)

General edward braddock

British government… sends regular british

troops

Marched his troops… on fort duquesne

(present-day pittsburgh)

French and indians…ambushed braddock’s

soldiers

Defeat… within 3 hours

George washington… was in the in in the battle

French response

Commander… general montcalm

Marched on new york… captured fort