The French & Indian War: A Turning Point in the Relationship Between England and Its Colonies

Context and Long-Term Causes

• Global Wars:

  • Series of four wars between Britain, France, and Spain during the late 17th and 18th centuries.

  • Focused on supremacy in the West Indies and Canada, with little initial value placed on American conflicts.

Direct Causes

• French Provocation:

  • French built forts in the Ohio River Valley to halt British expansion.

  • Virginia's governor sent George Washington to confront the French.

• Key Battles:

  • Battle of Jumonville Glen: French forces faced Washington's militia.

  • Battle of Fort Necessity: Washington's troops surrendered, marking the war's beginning.

The Albany Plan of Union (1754)

• Colonial Defense Coordination:

  • British government called for a meeting in Albany, New York.

  • Benjamin Franklin's plan for intercolonial government and troop recruitment was rejected due to colonial jealousy over taxation powers.

Braddock’s Blunders

• General Braddock's Campaign:

  • Led British forces to oust French from Fort Duquesne but suffered a decisive ambush.

  • Casualties included Braddock, shattering the myth of British invincibility.

Native Americans Take Sides

• Tribal Alliances:

  • Most Native American tribes sided with the French due to better relations.

  • Some tribes remained neutral or allied with the British, such as the Iroquois Confederacy.

British Victory

• William Pitt's Strategy:

  • Focused on conquering Canada, leading to victories at Louisbourg, Quebec, and Montreal.

  • The Peace of Paris (1763) ended French power in North America, with Britain gaining significant territories.

Relationship Between Britain & the Colonists

• British Perspective:

  • Viewed colonial military efforts as inadequate and disorganized.

• Colonial Perspective:

  • Gained confidence in their military capabilities and were unimpressed with British tactics.

War Debt & Taxation

• Shift in British Policy:

  • End of salutary neglect; Britain sought to exert more control over colonies.

  • King George III aimed to make colonies bear more financial burdens post-war.

The American Revolution: From Unrest to Independence

Context of Colonial Unrest

• Post-War Tensions:

  • Proclamation of 1763 angered colonists seeking westward expansion.

  • Pontiac’s Rebellion highlighted colonial frustrations.

Taxation Without Representation

• Acts and Reactions:

  • Sugar Act (1764): Tax on sugar and molasses.

  • Stamp Act (1765): Direct tax on documents and newspapers led to protests by the Sons of Liberty.

  • Repeal and Further Acts: Stamp Act repealed, but Declaratory and Townshend Acts followed.

Escalating Tensions

• Boston Massacre (1770):

  • British soldiers killed civilians, escalating anti-British sentiment.

• Boston Tea Party (1773):

  • Protest against the Tea Act led to the Intolerable Acts (1774).

Toward War

• First Continental Congress (1774):

  • Delegates discussed grievances and prepared militias.

• Lexington and Concord (April 1775):

  • Marked the start of armed conflict.

Independence Declared

• Second Continental Congress (1775):

  • Appointed George Washington as commander and issued the Olive Branch Petition.

• Common Sense (1776):

  • Thomas Paine's pamphlet rallied support for independence.

Declaration of Independence

• Key Principles:

  • All men are created equal with unalienable rights.

  • Governments derive power from the consent of the governed.

Grievances Against Britain

• List of Tyrannical Actions:

  • Refusal to assent to laws, dissolution of representative houses, taxation without consent, and maintaining standing armies.

Ideals Behind the Revolution

• Republicanism:

  • Citizens subordinate private interests for the common good.

• Fear of Tyranny:

  • "Radical Whigs" warned against the arbitrary power of the king.

The Revolution & Beyond

• Strengths and Weaknesses:

  • British: Well-trained, disciplined, but unfamiliar with the landscape.

  • Colonists: Fighting defensively, received foreign support, but poorly equipped.

Major Battles

• Key Victories:

  • Trenton (1776), Saratoga (1777), and Yorktown (1781) were pivotal for colonial morale and support.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

• Recognition of Independence:

  • Britain formally recognized American independence and ceded territory.

The Articles of Confederation

• Weaknesses:

  • Limited federal power led to economic issues and inability to address rebellions like Shays’ Rebellion.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• New Constitution:

  • Aimed to create a stronger federal government with checks and balances.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

• Debate Over Government Power:

  • Federalists supported a strong central government; Anti-Federalists feared tyranny.

The Bill of Rights

• Protection of Rights:

  • Added to secure ratification by Anti-Federalists, ensuring individual and state rights.

Washington’s Administration

• Financial Policies:

  • Hamilton’s plan to assume state debts and establish a national bank faced opposition.

Washington’s Farewell Address

• Warnings:

  • Cautioned against political parties and foreign alliances.

The Adams Administration

• XYZ Affair and Alien & Sedition Acts:

  • Highlighted tensions with France and domestic dissent.

Women in the Revolutionary Era

• Roles in the Revolution:

  • Women participated in boycotts, disguised as soldiers, and contributed to the war effort.