The French and Indian War

The Seven Years' War and French and Indian War

• The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) was a global conflict involving major European powers.
• The French and Indian War (1754-1763) was the North American theater of this war, fought between the British and French, with Native American allies on both sides.

Ohio River Valley and New France (Canada)

• The Ohio River Valley was a region of great strategic importance due to its fertile land and access to waterways for trade and transportation.
• New France, which encompassed present-day Canada, was a French colony that sought to expand its territory into the Ohio River Valley.

Iroquois Confederation and Albany Congress

• The Iroquois Confederation was a powerful Native American alliance that played a key role in the diplomacy and military strategies during the French and Indian War.
• The Albany Congress of 1754 was a meeting of colonial representatives to discuss plans for collective defense against the French threat.

Albany Plan of Union

• The Albany Plan of Union aimed to create a unified colonial government for defense against the French, proposed by Benjamin Franklin at the Albany Congress.
• Although not adopted, it laid the groundwork for future discussions on colonial unity.

Military Terms

• Siege: A military tactic where an enemy is surrounded in a fortified position to force surrender.
• Blockade: The isolation of an area to prevent entry or exit of goods or people.
• Ambush: A surprise attack by concealed forces on unsuspecting enemies.
• Retreat: A withdrawal of forces from a battle or position to avoid defeat.

Native Style of Fighting vs. European Style of Fighting

• Native American warfare often involved guerrilla tactics, hit-and-run attacks, and reliance on knowledge of local terrain.
• European warfare emphasized discipline, line formations, and traditional battle tactics.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

• The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the Seven Years' War and resulted in France ceding Canada to Britain while Spain ceded Florida to Britain in exchange for Cuba.

Battles

• Jumonville Glen: Site of an early skirmish that sparked the French and Indian War.
• Fort Necessity: Where George Washington surrendered to French forces in 1754.
• Monongahela: Major defeat for British forces led by General Edward Braddock in 1755.
• Fort William Henry: Surrendered by British forces to the French in 1757.
• Fort Duquesne (Fort Pitt): Captured by British forces in 1758.
• Plains of Abraham (Quebec City): Battle where General James Wolfe defeated General Louis de Montcalm in 1759.
• Montreal: Captured by British forces in 1760.

People

• George Washington: Future first President of the United States who gained military experience during the French and Indian War.
• General Edward Braddock: British commander who suffered a major defeat at Monongahela.
• Benjamin Franklin: Prominent figure who advocated for colonial unity during this period.
• William Pitt: British Prime Minister who significantly influenced British strategy during the war.
• General James Wolfe: British general known for his victory at Quebec City.
• General Louis de Montcalm: French general who led forces during key battles in North America.