Lesson 1: The French and Indian War

Key Idea

By the mid-1700s, both Britain and France had built large empires in North America. This imperial rivalry created tension. British colonists wanted to expand westward for new farmland, while the French sought to protect their profitable fur trade.

Both empires claimed the fertile Ohio River Valley. For the British, it was the next frontier for settlement. For the French, it was a vital link connecting their lands in Canada and along the Mississippi River.

Key Idea

As Britain and France competed for North America, they formed different relationships with Native Americans. The French focused on the fur trade, creating business partnerships with many Native American groups. These groups often saw the French as allies rather than invaders.

The British, however, wanted land for their growing colonies, which created conflict with many tribes. To counter French power, the British formed a crucial alliance with the powerful Iroquois Confederacy. These opposing alliances set the stage for a wider conflict.

Key Idea

As the threat from France grew, colonial leaders looked for a way to work together. In 1754, Benjamin Franklin proposed the Albany Plan of Union. This plan would have created a unified government to organize the colonies for their common defense against the French.

Despite the danger, the colonies rejected the plan. Each colony feared losing its individual power and independence to a central authority. This decision revealed a major problem: the colonies were not yet a united group and struggled to act as one, even when facing a shared enemy.

Key Idea

The French and Indian War began with several victories for the French and their Native American allies. Early on, British forces struggled to gain control of key territories like the Ohio River Valley.

The war shifted in Britain's favor with the leadership of William Pitt. As prime minister, he committed more troops and money to the fight in North America, making it the main focus of the conflict.