French & Indian War: Section 1

French & Indian War Chapter 5 Section 1

European Rivals in N. America • Europe was in a struggle for empires. – Spain – Great Britain – France

• All wanted to establish colonies all over the world. • Proxy war in America for supremacy

• France claimed everything from St. Lawrence R. west to Great Lakes and south to Gulf of Mexico • Protected it with extensive fort system and Indian help • Conflict in the Ohio Valley – English were no longer content to stay by the coast – 1740’s settlers began to cross Appalachians into France’s territory – France wanted to protect this area because they needed the Mississippi River to link there lands

• Native Americans Choose sides – France was sure they had Indian support because they did not move in on the Indian’s land. Worked with Indians. – England was sure they would have Indian support because of trade relationship – Intermarriages between French and Indians and British and Indians tested loyalties – Algonquin and Huron Indians went with France

French & Indian War Begins • 3 times between 1689 and 1748 Great Britain and France warred in Europe • 1754 the 4th war broke out • Control of the Ohio River Valley was at stake • George Washington’s men fired the first shots • A Bold Young Leader – 22 years old land surveyor (Washington)

– Led 150 men into Ohio country only to find the French had already constructed a fort where he wanted one – Fort Duquesne

• Conflict at Fort Necessity – Washington led a surprise attack that scattered the French – Took over Fort Duquesne and renamed it Fort Necessity – French and Indians surrounded the fort and captured Washington and his men. After surrender, released Washington

• Albany Congress – Delegates gathered in Albany, New York – Cement alliance with Iroquois and plan a united colonial defense – Ben Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union – It stated that- one general government, make laws, raise taxes, set up defense led by the Grand Council – Delegates liked it, not one assembly member approved it

A String of British • 1755 General Edward Braddock led Defeats colonial troops at Fort Duquesne. Over confident he was killed and troops defeated. • Disaster for Braddock • Not accustomed to this new warfare, Braddock’s troops in their red coats and loud marching were easy targets • Washington was also shot and wounded

The Tide of the Battle • 1757, William Pitt Turns take control of the • • • •

troops Pitt sends Britain’s best generals to N. America Winning was the only option for Pitt Canada’s most important fort, Louisbourg was captured Fort Duquesne recaptured and renamed Fort Pitt and Pittsburg grew on the site of Fort Pitt

The Fall of New • By 1759 British had pushed French out France of Fort Ticonderoga, Niagara, Crown Point, • Battle for Quebec – Quebec was on the Plains of Abraham – Used to supply forts up the St. Lawrence River – General Wolfe snuck in under cover of darkness and greeted Montcalm in the morning – Wolfe was killed but got the victory

• Treaty of Paris – September 18th 1759 French surrendered – Treaty of Paris marked the end of French control in America – Britain got Canada and all land east of Mississippi except New Orleans – French kept 2 islands in Gulf of St. Lawrence and West Indies – Spain got Florida and New Orleans for helping Britain – Peace would reign for the next 17