The French & British Clash

1. The French & British Clash Chapter 4 Section 3

2. Background • 1700s French & English two of the strongest powers in Europe • Two countries had been fighting since late 1600s • Consisted of four total conflicts, the last of which became known as the French and Indian War • The first three conflicts were indecisive and only the fourth settled the conflict

3. Towards Hostilities • French had dominated the fur trade throughout Canada and the Ohio River Valley • As the British colonies in the east became more populated and prosperous, their citizens began to look towards the rich lands across the Appalachian mountains

5. Staking a Claim • Brits build fort Pickawillany deep into the Ohio territory to establish position • French quickly attack and counter with their own forts close to the boarder of the colonies • French and Brits begin raiding and capturing land in present day eastern Canada & New England

6. Forts!!!

7. Picking sides • Both French & Brits recognize the importance of Native American allies (trade & warfare) • French had better relationship with Natives b/c: 1. interest in furs more than land 2. married Native women and followed customs 3. missionaries worked to convert natives

8. Tipping the Scales • Iroquois confederacy: most power group of Native Americans in the East • Iroquois remain neutral as long as possible, trade with both sides • Iroquois eventually give exclusive trade rights to Brits= advantage

9. George Appears! • Virginians want to move into Ohio River Valley • 1753: Gov. Dinwiddie sends 21 year-old planter & surveyor George Washington to talk to the French • Mission: tell the French that they were trespassing on British Property • Mission status: FAILURE, French tell Washington they’ll keep the land

10. 2nd round • 1754: Washington sent back to Ohio country with a militia • Militia: a group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies • Mission: build a fort at site of present-day Pittsburgh • Problem: French already building Fort Duquesne

11. 2nd Round • Plan B: Washington establishes a small post nearby- Fort Necessity • Washington is outnumbered but attacks a French scouting party • French then surround and defeat Washington’s forces • Washington’s hailed as a hero who struck first blow against French

12. Albany Union • Colonial ambassadors meet to discuss war threat Goal: 1. find defense against French 2. persuade Iroquois to join Brits • Albany Plan: a central gov. would tax, raise troops, and regulate trade • No colonies approve: do not want to give up power