Seven Years War (French and Indian War) APUSH 3.2 (APUSH Period 3)

Summary

This video covers the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years' War in North America. It explores the colonial rivalry between Britain and France, particularly over territory in the Ohio Valley. The video explains how British colonists' westward expansion threatened French-Indian trade networks and Native American autonomy. The war saw alliances between Native tribes and European powers, with the French eventually losing. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 granted Britain vast new lands, leading to further tensions between colonists, Native Americans, and Britain, ultimately setting the stage for future colonial discontent.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Seven Years' War in North America is known as the French and Indian War, a conflict between Britain and France over territorial claims.
• 🌍 The war began due to British colonial expansion into French-claimed territories in North America, particularly in the Ohio Valley.
• 🤝 The French had alliances with many Native American tribes, as they coexisted and had trade relationships, while the British were seen as a bigger threat.
• 🔫 The war officially started when George Washington, leading the Virginia militia, clashed with the French in the Ohio Valley, sparking the conflict.
• 🏛 The Albany Congress in 1754 was an early attempt at colonial unity, with Benjamin Franklin proposing the Albany Plan of Union, which set a precedent for future cooperation.
• 🇫🇷 Early in the war, the French, with the help of Native American allies, had the upper hand, but Britain eventually turned the tide and won the war.
• 📜 The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the war, with France losing all its North American territories to Britain, except for Haiti.
• 🏞 The Proclamation Line of 1763 was established by Britain to prevent colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, aiming to avoid conflicts with Native Americans.
• 💰 Britain's debt increased significantly due to the war, and they sought to tax the colonies to help cover the costs of the war and new territorial management.
• ⚖ The end of salutary neglect, increased British control, and taxation led to growing colonial resentment, setting the stage for future conflicts between Britain and its American colonies.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of the French and Indian War in North America?

The primary cause of the French and Indian War was the competition between Britain and France over colonial territory in North America, particularly in the Ohio Valley.

Why did most Native American tribes side with the French during the war?

Most Native American tribes sided with the French because the French had smaller settlements, established trade networks with the tribes, and posed less of a threat to Native autonomy than the British.

What was the Albany Plan of Union, and who proposed it?

The Albany Plan of Union was a proposal by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 to coordinate colonial defense and western expansion by creating a unified body of representatives from the colonies. It also sought to ally with the Iroquois Confederacy.

What was the significance of the 'Join or Die' political cartoon?

The 'Join or Die' political cartoon, created by Benjamin Franklin, symbolized the need for the colonies to unite for their defense during the French and Indian War. It was part of the Albany Plan of Union's message.

How did the Treaty of Paris in 1763 affect French territorial claims in North America?

The Treaty of Paris in 1763 resulted in France losing all its colonial territory in North America, except for Haiti in the Caribbean. Britain gained control of Canada, the Ohio River Valley, and Florida from Spain.

What was Pontiac's Rebellion, and what caused it?

Pontiac's Rebellion was an uprising by Native American tribes, led by Ottawa Chief Pontiac, against British colonists who encroached on their land after the French and Indian War. The rebellion occurred in 1763 in response to the loss of French support and increased colonial settlement.

What was the Proclamation Line of 1763, and why was it implemented?

The Proclamation Line of 1763 was a British decree forbidding colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflict between settlers and Native Americans. The goal was to avoid further violence and reduce the need for British military intervention.

How did the French and Indian War contribute to Britain's national debt?

The French and Indian War was costly for Britain, both in terms of fighting the war and managing the newly acquired territories. The war's expenses greatly increased Britain's national debt, leading to new taxes on the colonies to help cover the costs.

What was 'salutary neglect,' and how did it change after the French and Indian War?

'Salutary neglect' was Britain's policy of loosely enforcing trade regulations and allowing the colonies a high degree of autonomy. After the French and Indian War, this policy ended, as Britain sought to raise revenue and tighten control over the colonies to manage its expanded empire.

What long-term impact did the French and Indian War have on the relationship between Britain and its American colonies?

The French and Indian War strained the relationship between Britain and its American colonies. British efforts to impose new taxes and regulations to manage the empire and cover war debts angered the colonists, contributing to growing resentment that eventually led to the American Revolution.