French and Indian War (dec 30, 1753 – jan 1, 1763)

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The French and Indian War was the major North American segment of the last battle in the Seven Years’ War. Unlike the other conflicts in this series of battles, the French and Indian War began in the colonies rather than in Europe. Because of this reason, and the newfound realization that the colonies were valuable, the European powers sent troops into North America in hopes that there would be better chances of winning on either side. It all started when France began to establish forts along the Ohio River Valley. This was in effort to stop British colonists from encroaching further westward. However, the British saw it differently; like anyone else would suspect, they perceived the forts as a threat and a sign of war. Then conflicts arose. The beginning of this war was rather blunt for the British: they were suffering devastating defeats on most ends, and they were experiencing barrages of attacks from Native Americans, who were allied with France, on the frontier. The Royalty in Britain were becoming rather worried for the survival of their colonies. Consequentially, the Albany Plan of Union was conducted. In 1754, in New York, representatives from several, not all, colonies met up to devise a plan for the recruiting of troops, the creation of an intercolonial government, and the imposition of a tax to promote the common safety of the colonies. This was ambitious to the other colonies as they were proud to have the right to instill their own, unique taxes rather than be controlled by a larger power. Although the Albany Plan of Union wasn’t put into effect, the British still prevailed, gaining a great deal of land, including the majority of Canada, and Florida. Furthermore, the ending of this war marked the ending of French presence in North America, at least any notable presence. The British and the Colonies had drastically different views after the war had ended. The British looked at the colonial army as pathetic and weak. They believed that the colonists were incompetent of defending their own lands, too. This feeling most likely sparked because the British were bitter and frustrated that they had to spend so much money for the war. As for the Colonies’ view on the war, they looked back on it with a sense of pride and gratification, winning their first official war. Furthermore, they were excited to expand and settle in all the new land that they had recently acquired.

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