French And Indian War
Context of Ongoing Anglo-European Conflicts
Lecturer stresses that several wars preceded the American Revolution; they are often fought primarily in Europe ("back in England") but spill over into the colonies.
These wars are frequently about control of North-American territory, setting the stage for later colonial grievances.
Territorial Pressures in North America (Early–Mid 1700s)
England (east-coast colonies) is slowly edging westward but not deeply into the continent.
France (Canada/New France): colonies "spill down" from the north and push eastward, coming into contact—and conflict—with English settlements.
Spain (Florida & the Southwest) pushes northward from the south.
Result: No “unclaimed” land remains, so border disputes become inevitable. Colonies of the three empires begin to “butt up against each other.”