French & Indian War (jan 1, 1754 – jan 1, 1763)

Description:

Cause: Global 7 years war btw GB and France, encroachment of French claimed land by US colonists

Events:
- Albany Congress: colonial effort to organize defense, Benjamin Franklin proposes Albany Plan of Union which suggests state unity and representatives but turned down

Effects: French loses last footholds (FL & Ohio River Valley given to US and rest to Spain), GB-US Tension from heavy debt after war (more impressment, quartering, Proclamation of 1763, taxes: Sugar Act 1765, direct Stamp Act, Townshend Act, Tea Act)

Represents a continued colonial loyalty to GB but also rising resentment. GB's view of the colonies as a tool for their mercantilism challenged by American feelings for independence.