Chapter 5: The French and Indian War Overview

The French began building forts in the Ohio River Valley, causing tensions with British colonists, leading to the armed conflict known as the French & Indian War.

British troops built a fort at the strategic fork of the Ohio River, but were quickly ousted by the French, who constructed Fort Duquesne in its place.

A 1754 battle where George Washington's inexperienced Virginia troops clashed with a French Regiment, ending in a retreat and a surrender of Fort Necessity.

The treaty that ended the French & Indian War, giving Britain major territorial gains in North America, effectively removing France.

A major uprising of Native American tribes against British rule in the Great Lakes region, fueled by resentment and frustration.

A proclamation by the British Parliament to forbid colonial westward expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains.

A group of colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the Revolution.

Advocates for American independence during the Revolutionary period, emphasizing their rights as colonists.

A political philosophy that emphasizes civic virtue, popular sovereignty, and limited government. It heavily influenced the American Revolution.

A tax imposed by the British Parliament on imported sugar, molasses, and other goods, intended to raise funds for the British Empire.

A tax levied on all paper goods in the colonies, from legal documents to newspapers, sparking strong colonial resistance.

A powerful slogan that encapsulated colonial opposition to British taxation without representation in Parliament.

A secret resistance organization formed in the colonies to protest unjust taxes and British policies, using acts of defiance and sabotage.

An incident in which British soldiers fired on a crowd of colonists in Boston, escalating tensions and resulting in widespread outrage.

A 1773 act of defiance in which American colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor.

British General John Burgoyne attempted to capture, but American General Horatio Gates surrounded and ultimately forced British forces to surrender on October 17, 1777, marking a turning point in the war.

The first official government of the United States, established after the Declaration of Independence, granted significant powers to Congress, including foreign affairs, war, and peace.

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from Britain, emphasizing the need to break free from tyrannical monarchy and the dangers of monarchical rule.

The principle that men are born with natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in George Mason's Virginia Declaration of Rights.

A document written primarily by Thomas Jefferson that outlined the reasons for the American colonies' declaration of independence from Great Britain, focusing on grievances against British rule and advocating for self-governance.

A pivotal leader during the American Revolution. He was elected as head commander of the Continental Army in June 1775, playing a critical role in the fight for independence.

The Continental Army's primary form of currency during the American Revolution. Its value fluctuated due to wartime inflation. It was used by the government to pay troops and finance the war effort.

Following the Declaration of Independence, the British aimed to capture New York City to sever New England from the rest of the colonies. General William Howe, the British commander, hoped to defeat the Continental Army. The battle resulted in a British victory, forcing Washington to retreat.

The pivotal moment in the American Revolution, where France recognized the United States and joined the war as an ally, ultimately contributing to American victory. This was a turning point that shifted the balance of power in favor of the young American nation.

The body of representatives from the thirteen colonies that assumed the role of a revolutionary government during the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and organizing the war effort.

After the British defeat at Saratoga, Parliament attempted to appease the American colonies by offering concessions, essentially granting their demands before declaring independence. This attempted peace effort signaled a shift in British strategy, recognizing the potential for a drawn-out and costly war.

Although Parliament offered concessions, the American Congress refused to negotiate until Britain formally recognized American independence or withdrew its forces completely. This stance reflected the growing confidence and resolve of the American colonists in their struggle for independence.

General Howe resigned his command after the British defeat at Saratoga, and Sir Henry Clinton took over as the new commander. This marked a turning point in the war, with British strategy now focusing on gaining control of the South in hopes of bolstering Loyalist support.

The Southern strategy aimed to capitalize on the perceived strength of Loyalists in the region. King George believed that by deploying British forces in the South, they could easily rouse a rebellion among the Loyalists and secure the region.

The British underestimated the strength of Loyalist support in the South, and their harsh behavior actually drove many Loyalists away, alienating potential allies and turning them against the crown. This backfired on the British, exacerbating the conflict instead of mitigating it.

Southern colonies were crucial for the British due to their production of vital agricultural goods like tobacco and rice. The British were aiming to secure these resources, both economically valuable and strategically important.

Under the command of Nathanael Greene, American forces effectively countered British control in the Deep South, limiting their hold to Charleston and Savannah. This marked a turning point in the war, demonstrating American resilience and tactical prowess.

General Cornwallis shifted his focus to Virginia, aiming to neutralize it as a source of reinforcement for the American forces in the Carolinas. This move was intended to weaken the American stronghold in the South and secure the region for the British.

Cornwallis chose Yorktown as a defensive site believing it would effectively shield his troops from a potential siege due to Washington's forces being occupied elsewhere and the British navy's dominance on American waters. He underestimated the resilience and resourcefulness of the American forces.

The French navy, under the command of Admiral de Grasse, gained control of the Chesapeake Bay after Washington's persuasive efforts. This decisive victory for the French provided critical support for the American and French forces assembled at Yorktown.