Notes on The French and Indian War and Aftermath

FRANCE’S NORTH AMERICAN EMPIRE

• France's North American empire started in 1534 with Jacques Cartier, and in 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec.

• By 1754, New France had about 70{,}000 Europeans, focusing on fur trade and Catholic conversions, fostering friendlier relations and military alliances with Native Americans.

• In 1682, La Salle claimed the Mississippi Valley, setting the stage for western claims.

BRITAIN AND FRANCE CLASH IN NORTH AMERICA

• Britain and France clashed, leading to the French and Indian War in 1754. The French built Fort Duquesne, leading to early French victories.

• George Washington's early experiences highlighted British army's shortcomings.

WASHINGTON’S RESIGNATION AND RISE TO PROMINENCE

• Washington's resolve and courage in early campaigns bolstered his standing.

PITT AND THE IROQUOIS TURN THE TIDE

• William Pitt's leadership and Iroquois support turned the tide for Britain. A key victory occurred on the Plains of Abraham near Quebec in 1759.

• The French and Indian War ended in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris. Britain gained North America east of the Mississippi River, while Spain gained lands west of it.

THE TREATY OF PARIS (1763) AND ITS AFTERMATH

• Britain expanded control east of the Mississippi, and Spain gained French lands west of it.

• Native American nations were weakened.

VICTORY BRINGS NEW PROBLEMS

• Control of the Ohio River Valley led to Native American fear and Pontiac's Rebellion, resulting in the Proclamation of 1763 forbidding settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

THE COLONIES GROW APART FROM BRITAIN

• The Proclamation of 1763 and financial strains led to colonial suspicion and Grenville's policies, fueling discontent.

SUGAR ACT AND EARLY COLONIAL RESENTMENT

• The Sugar Act in 1764 aimed to manage debt and regulate trade, intensifying tensions.

JOIN OR DIE: A SYMBOL OF COLONIAL UNITY

• Benjamin Franklin's cartoon in 1754 symbolized colonial unity against threats.