Creating a New Nation

(1754-1783)
Background of the French and Indian War Quebec

In the 1740s and early 1750s trappers and Montreal

traders move into the Ohio country. The
French from the North and West. The
British and Colonists from the South and Boston
East.

In 1753, France began to move

aggressively into the Ohio country
t ry New York City
and began constructing multiple u n Philadelphia
forts. c o
h io
O

After a war of words, the argument became a

shooting war on May 27, 1754. At a place now
called Jumonville Glen (modern day Charleston
Pennsylvania), a group of Virginians and Mingo
indians attacked a French group, wiping it out.
The Virginians were led by a young Lt. Colonel
named George Washington.
 So, what were the reasons for this conflict?
1. Economics
a. Money (of course) – to control trade in North America
b. Land – the winning empire will dominate North America
*Colonists will move beyond the Appalachians
2. Old Grudges (France and England were old enemies)
*Three minor conflicts had been fought between the two powers in North
American already:
• King William’s War (1689-1697)
• Queen Anne’s War (1702-1713)
• King George’s War (1744-1748)

The conflict in North America will spark a global war called the Seven Year’s War
(1756-1763). Several European nations will become embroiled in this destructive war –
France, the British empire, Spain, Prussia, Sweden, Austria, Portugal and other minor
nations. The conflict will rage from North America, Europe, Africa, India to the
Philippines.
 The Opposing Sides of the French and Indian War

The French The British

The Regular French Military The British Royal Army
French Canadians American colonial militia
Huron Mohawks
Ottawas Oneida
Cree Tuscarora
Chippewas Cayuga
Potawatomis Seneca
Menominee Onondaga
Winnebago Creek
Mississagau Chickasaw
Illinois Cherokee
Kickapoo Montauk
Mahican

Fought on both sides – Abenakis, Delawares, Caughnaugas, Mingo, Shawnees…

 French Advantages British Advantages
•Strong relationships with Indian allies •Strong Naval power
•Understood warfare in North America •1 million colonists (66,000 French)
•Single chain of command - organized •Powerful Iroquois Confederacy is an ally