Notes on the Seven Years' War and Colonial Life

The Seven Years' War (1754/1756-1763)

• Background and Early Conflicts:

  • Previous Anglo-French conflicts in the 1600s and 1700s had minimal impact on the colonies.

  • Dispute over the Ohio Valley initiated the conflict.

  • George Washington was initially sent by Britain to deliver a message to the French, then, in 1754, to build a fort (Fort Necessity).

  • The French attacked and destroyed Fort Necessity.

• Hesitancy and Escalation (1755-1756):

  • Britain and France were initially hesitant to declare war due to recent previous conflicts.

  • Escalation began with