French and Indian War The fight for control of North America Conflict Between French & British Britain & France competed for empire 1754 – New France had 70,000 people, British colonies had 1,000,000 – both were expanding Fur traders & priests French had trade alliance with natives 1754, French built Fort Duquesne on land English claimed Militia led by Washington built Ft. Necessity, tasked with driving out French Washington surrendered (and admitted to assassinating a French officer) Recreation of Ft. Necessity Causes of the F&I War Fight for world empire Britain and France claimed same land in Ohio River Valley French built Ft. Duquesne British build Ft. Necessity, engaged in conflict Washington showed bravery, colonists saw weakness in British army 1757 – King George II sent William Pitt to run gov’t in colonies British started to win, Iroquois joined them 1759 – Gen. Wolfe attacked Quebec, British won (he and French leader died in battle) Treaty of Paris - 1763 Officially ended war Britain got N. America east of Mississippi (including Canada) Spain got French land west of Miss. River France kept a few islands Benefits of War Ironworkers, shipbuilders & farmers profited Acquisition of FL meant slaves couldn’t run there United the colonies, self confidence Saw weaknesses in British army Washington gained reputation for bravery Britain built empire Victory Brings Problems George Grenville – Prime Minister of England, policies would alienate colonies Natives feared growing # of British Pontiac led rebellion in Ohio River Valley, captured 8 forts Smallpox infested blankets given to peace negotiators, natives gave in Victory Brings Problems Proclamation of 1763 – British set line, said colonists couldn’t expand west of Appalachian Mts (colonists upset) Disaster for natives on both sides, British harsher on them