APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - The French and Indian War, Seven Years' War

Why This Matters

The French and Indian War (Seven Years' War) was a pivotal conflict in world history that had far-reaching consequences for the British Empire, the American colonies, and the global balance of power. This war marked a significant turning point in the development of American identity, as it led to the British government imposing new taxes on the colonies, contributing to growing tensions and ultimately the American Revolution. The war also had a profound impact on the global politics and power dynamics, setting the stage for the rise of European empires and the eventual decline of the British Empire.

Key Events & People

• The Proclamation of 1763: Issued by King George III, this decree prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, leading to growing tensions and resentment among the colonists.
• The British victory at Fort Duquesne (1758): British forces, led by General John Forbes, captured the strategic fort from the French, securing a crucial victory in the war.
• The role of William Pitt the Elder: As British Prime Minister, Pitt played a key role in financing the war effort and advocating for a more aggressive British strategy.
• The Treaty of Paris (1763): This treaty marked the official end of the war, with Britain gaining control of most of North America from the French and their Native American allies.
• The role of George Washington: As a young military officer, Washington played a key role in the war, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia and later as a commander of the Virginia Regiment.
• The British government's decision to impose the Sugar Act (1764): This act, passed by the British Parliament, imposed a tax on sugar and other goods imported into the colonies, contributing to growing tensions and resistance among the colonists.
• The role of Robert Clive: As a British military officer, Clive played a key role in the war, leading British forces to victory in India and securing a crucial victory for the British Empire.
• The French and Indian War's impact on the Native American population: The war had a devastating impact on Native American tribes, leading to the loss of land, the disruption of traditional ways of life, and the eventual decline of many Native American populations.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The British government's decision to impose the Proclamation of 1763, which prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Effect: Growing tensions and resentment among the colonists, who felt that the British government was restricting their economic and territorial ambitions.

• Long-term consequence: The Proclamation of 1763 contributed to the growing tensions between the British government and the American colonies, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

• Cause: The British victory at Fort Duquesne (1758).

• Effect: The British gained control of the strategic fort, securing a crucial victory in the war and paving the way for further British expansion in North America.

• Long-term consequence: The British victory at Fort Duquesne marked the beginning of the end of French control in North America, ultimately leading to the transfer of French territory to the British.

• Cause: The Treaty of Paris (1763).

• Effect: The treaty marked the official end of the war, with Britain gaining control of most of North America from the French and their Native American allies.
• Long-term consequence: The Treaty of Paris marked a significant shift in the global balance of power, with the British Empire emerging as a dominant world power and the French Empire in decline.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Imperialism*: The policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or economic means.
  • Example: The British government's decision to impose the Proclamation of 1763 was an example of imperialism, as it restricted the economic and territorial ambitions of American colonists.
• *Mercantilism*: An economic policy that emphasizes the importance of a strong state and the accumulation of wealth and power through trade and colonization.
  • Example: The British government's decision to impose the Sugar Act (1764) was an example of mercantilism, as it aimed to increase British revenue and strengthen the British economy.
• *Enlightenment*: A philosophical movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and the scientific method.
  • Example: The writings of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced the American colonists' views on government and politics.
• *Colonialism*: The policy of establishing colonies in a foreign territory, often with the goal of exploiting natural resources or expanding a country's power and influence.
  • Example: The British government's decision to establish colonies in North America was an example of colonialism, as it aimed to expand British power and influence in the region.
• *Treaty*: A formal agreement between two or more countries, often negotiated to resolve a conflict or establish a new relationship.
  • Example: The Treaty of Paris (1763) was a treaty between Britain and France, marking the official end of the war and the transfer of French territory to the British.
• *Proclamation*: A formal announcement or declaration, often issued by a government or monarch.
  • Example: The Proclamation of 1763 was a proclamation issued by King George III, prohibiting American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• *Sugar Act*: A law passed by the British Parliament in 1764, imposing a tax on sugar and other goods imported into the colonies.
  • Example: The Sugar Act was an example of mercantilism, as it aimed to increase British revenue and strengthen the British economy.
• *Fort Duquesne*: A strategic fort in western Pennsylvania, captured by British forces in 1758.
  • Example: The British victory at Fort Duquesne marked a significant turning point in the war, paving the way for further British expansion in North America.
• *Native American population*: The indigenous peoples of North America, who were affected by the war and the subsequent transfer of French territory to the British.
  • Example: The war had a devastating impact on Native American tribes, leading to the loss of land, the disruption of traditional ways of life, and the eventual decline of many Native American populations.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The French and Indian War was fought primarily between the British and the French, with the Native American population playing a minor role.
  • Correction: The war was fought between the British and the French, with the Native American population playing a significant role as allies of the French.
• What students often get wrong: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by the British government to restrict the economic and territorial ambitions of American colonists.
  • Correction: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III to prohibit American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• What students often get wrong: The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the official end of the war between the British and the French.
  • Correction: The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the official end of the war between the British and the French, with the British gaining control of most of North America from the French and their Native American allies.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the impact of the French and Indian War on the American colonies. Be sure to include specific examples from the war and its aftermath.
  • Possible evidence: The Proclamation of 1763, the Sugar Act (1764), the Treaty of Paris (1763), the writings of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the role of the Native American population in the French and Indian War. Be sure to include specific examples from the war and its aftermath.
  • Possible evidence: The impact of the war on Native American tribes, the role of Native American leaders such as Tanaghrisson and Shingas, the Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1768).
• Possible essay prompt: Discuss the significance of the French and Indian War in the context of the American Revolution. Be sure to include specific examples from the war and its aftermath.
  • Possible evidence: The Proclamation of 1763, the Sugar Act (1764), the Treaty of Paris (1763), the writings of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the French and Indian War?
   • Correct answer: The main cause of the French and Indian War was the struggle for control of the Ohio River Valley and the surrounding territory.
   • Explanation: The war was fought between the British and the French, with the Native American population playing a significant role as allies of the French.
2. What was the significance of the Proclamation of 1763?
   • Correct answer: The Proclamation of 1763 prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
   • Explanation: The Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III to restrict the economic and territorial ambitions of American colonists.
3. What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris (1763)?
   • Correct answer: The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the official end of the war between the British and the French, with the British gaining control of most of North America from the French and their Native American allies.
   • Explanation: The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked a significant shift in the global balance of power, with the British Empire emerging as a dominant world power and the French Empire in decline.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The French and Indian War was fought between 1754 and 1763.
• The Proclamation of 1763 prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.
• The Treaty of Paris (1763) marked the official end of the war between the British and the French.
• The British government's decision to impose the Sugar Act (1764) was an example of mercantilism.
• The Native American population was significantly affected by the war and the subsequent transfer of French territory to the British.
• The French and Indian War marked a significant turning point in the development of American identity.
• The war had a profound impact on the global politics and power dynamics.
• The British Empire emerged as a dominant world power after the war.
• The French Empire declined significantly after the war.
• The Treaty of Fort Stanwix (1768) marked a significant shift in the relationship between the British government and the Native American population.