Notes on Beaver Wars and Seven Years' War

Beaver Wars (1600s)

• Iroquois attempted to control the fur trade.
• Europeans exploited native American groups.

Seven Years' War (French and Indian War)

• Lasted 9 years; full-blown war in 1756.
• Fought over land.
• Combative relationship between the British and colonists.
• Area of conflict: Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
• Nations involved:
  • British
  • Colonists
  • French
  • Natives
• British won.
• Key Figures:
  • George Washington
  • Edward Braddock
• Albany Plan of Union: Proposed intercolonial government.
• Peace of Paris: European Peace Treaty - 1763.

Outcome/Effects

• British unchallenged supremacy.
• Dominant naval power.
• No threat of attacks.
• Change of view between British and colonists.

British vs. Colonial View

British View:

• Low opinion of colonial military abilities.
• Convinced colonists were unable/unwilling to defend new Britain gains (land from Canada to Florida).
• Cause: British thought French had provoked the war by building forts in the Ohio River Valley.

Colonial View:

• Opposite of British view.
• Proud of their record in all 4 wars:
  • King William's War (1689-1697)
  • Queen Anne's War (1702-1713)
  • King George's War (1744-1748)
• Developed confidence.
• Not impressed with British troops.