Essays on French and Indian War

1754–1763

North America

Cherokee, France, United Kingdom

Treaty of Paris, Battle of Quebec, Battle of Jumonville Glen, Battle of Minorca, Battle of Fort Necessity

Although the French and Indian War began officially in 1756, rising tension and engagements between British and French colonists happened years prior. English and French forces fought for supremacy of the Ohio Valley area, between the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. Native American tribes fought on both sides of the conflict.

In 1754, the French built Fort Duquesne, it was a strategically important stronghold that the British repeatedly attacked. During 1754 and 1755, the French won a string of victories. The first four years saw nothing but severe reverses for the British regulars and American colonials. In 1756 the British formally declared war.

In July 1758, the British won their first great victory at Louisbourg. In 1759 British armies invaded and the two armies met on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec city. Soon, the British conquered Canada and the North American phase of the Seven Years’ War came to a close.

The French and Indian War ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in February 1763. France faced with disastrous defeats in the New World. In result, Great Britain secured significant territorial gains in North America.

The British government’s attempts to impose taxes on colonists to help cover the expenses of the war, led to colonial rebellion, which eventually developed into a full-scale war for independence.