APUSH Review: The 7 Years' (French and Indian) War As A Turning Point

Summary

The Seven Years' War, also known as the French and Indian War, was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the end of Britain's policy of salutary neglect and the beginning of increased colonial resistance. The war, fought between 1754 and 1763, resulted in Britain's victory and significant territorial gains in North America. However, this victory led to the end of Britain's hands-off approach towards its colonies, as they sought to recoup war debts by imposing new taxes and restrictions, such as the Proclamation Line of 1763, which limited westward expansion. This shift sparked a series of events, including Pontiac's Rebellion and the Stamp Act Congress, that ultimately contributed to the growing unity among colonists and their movement towards independence.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Seven Years' War, also known as the French and Indian War, was a pivotal conflict between Britain and France, along with Native American tribes, from 1754 to 1763.
• 🏰 Britain emerged victorious, significantly expanding its North American territory and pushing the French out of the continent.
• 🌳 Prior to the war, British colonists aimed to expand westward into the Ohio River Valley, which was a key area of contention.
• 🔍 The Albany Plan of Union, proposed by Benjamin Franklin, was an early attempt to unite the colonies, symbolized by the 'Join or Die' cartoon, but it was rejected.
• 🌍 The year 1763 marked a significant shift with the end of Britain's policy of salutary neglect towards its colonies due to war debts and the need for more control.
• 🏴‍☠️ Pontiac's Rebellion was a Native American response to British colonial expansion post-war, indicating growing tensions.
• 🚫 The Proclamation Line of 1763 was a direct British response to halt colonial expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains, angering the colonists.
• 📉 The relationship between Britain and the colonies deteriorated after the war, with Britain imposing more control and the colonists resisting.
• 🗣️ Colonists began to unify against British rule, as seen in the formation of the Stamp Act Congress and the First Continental Congress.
• 🏁 It's important to note that most colonists did not seek independence until 1776; prior to that, they wanted a return to the pre-1763 relationship with Britain.

Q & A

What is the Seven Years' War also known as?

The Seven Years' War is also known as the French and Indian War.

Between which years did the Seven Years' War take place?

The Seven Years' War took place between 1754 and 1763.

Who were the main adversaries in the Seven Years' War?

The main adversaries were Britain and her colonies on one side, and the French along with many Native American tribes on the other.

What was the outcome of the Seven Years' War for the British?

The British won the war, and as a result, France was removed from North America, with the British gaining significant territories.

What was the Ohio River Valley's significance before the Seven Years' War?

The Ohio River Valley was an area where British colonists sought to expand, which was a key theme in American history.

Who is credited with creating the first political cartoon in American history, and what was its purpose?

Benjamin Franklin created the first political cartoon, 'Join or Die,' to unite the colonies.

What was Britain's policy towards the colonies before the Seven Years' War?

Britain's policy was 'salutary neglect,' meaning they left the colonies alone as long as they were profitable.

What does the acronym PEP stand for in the context of the Seven Years' War?

PEP stands for Pontiac's Rebellion and the Proclamation Line of 1763, which were significant events following the war.

What was the impact of the Seven Years' War on the relationship between Britain and the colonies?

The relationship drastically changed for the worse, with Britain ending its policy of salutary neglect and taking a more hands-on approach with the colonies.

What was the British response to the colonists' resistance after the Seven Years' War?

The British imposed acts such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, which were met with resistance and boycotts by the colonists.

How did the Seven Years' War act as a turning point leading to the American Revolution?

The war led to the end of Britain's salutary neglect, increased colonial unity against Britain, and the colonists' resistance to British acts, which eventually led to the American Revolution.