The French & Indian War

Salutary Neglect The British would protect the

colonies & provide trade opportunities, but other than that, the colonies were left to their own devices. Followed the Treaty of Utrecht in

1713. Supported by Prime Minister Robert

Walpole.

Outbreak of War Began in the Ohio Valley in May

1754.

Lt. Colonel George Washington sent to prevent the French from putting the finishing touches on Fort Duquesne (Pittsburgh). Forced to retreat & surrender in

July1754.

The Albany Congress

The British called a meeting in Albany, NY in order to devise a defensive plan. Led by Benjamin

Franklin

The Albany Congress

Constructed the Albany Plan of Union calling for a united defense against European & Native enemies.

Rejected by the colonies as too restrictive.

British thought it gave the colonies too much independence.

The Albany Congress

The French & Indian War British war efforts were ineffective

until William Pitt took over as Prime Minister.

Shifted British efforts from colonial skirmishes to the conquering of Canada, particularly Montreal & Quebec.

The French & Indian War The French surrendered Quebec in

1759 & Montreal in 1760, thus being sent to the bargaining table.

Ended in the Treaty of Paris in 1763. British took control of French Canada

& Spanish Florida.

Impact The British emerged as the

dominant colonial power in North America.

The British were not impressed with the colonial militias & felt that the colonists could not defend themselves.

Impact Colonists were proud of their ability

to fend of the French & Native American armies.

Britain owed a huge war debt. British citizens were left paying

higher prices and skyrocketing taxes. Colonists did not like the idea of

paying for the war effort.