Download Struggle for Empire 1702

The Struggle for Empire: 1702-1763
Conflict in North America during this period was largely between three groups- the
French, British and Natives living along the Frontier. Most of this conflict was a
result of European struggles, but in North America these struggles were for
localized reasons.
Queen Anne’s War- 1702-1713
This War was also known as the ‘War of Spanish Succession’. If was being fought
between the French and the British. In North America the most notorious moment
was in 1704 with the Deerfield Raid. During this raid French forces aligned with
the Abenakis to raid the settlement of Deerfield, Mass. In the process over 100
settlers are taken captive and marched to Montreal.
Feb. 29, 1704- The Deerfield Raid
The Seven Years War: 1756-1763
This war in North America was more commonly referred to as the French and
Indian War. The main struggle here was over control of the Ohio Valley. In order
for American colonists to eliminate the threat of Native raids they had to remove
French support.
1754- Albany Congress
In advance of the French and Indian War delegates from 7 of the Northern 13
Colonies met in Albany to discuss a plan of union against the French threat. Despite
the work of Benjamin Franklin the plan was rejected. This was one of the first
attempts by the colonies to unite to protect their own interests in North America.
1754- Fort Duquesne
In an effort to secure the Ohio Valley the French built a series of forts. In 1754
they completed Fort Duquesne, located in present-day Pittsburgh.
1754- Fort Necessity
As a result of a spying mission, Virginia militia-man George Washington warned
the governor of Virginia about the growing French threat. Washington was
promoted and put in command of a militia regiment to counter the French threat.
He built the primitive Fort Necessity. This fort fell to the superior advances of
the French and Native alliance.
British Success
Despite continued harassment by French and Indian troops along the Frontier the
British continued to press along the Frontier.
1758- Capture of Fort Duquesne
The British persuade the local Natives to abandon the French in exchange for
British protection. When they arrive at the Fort it is already abandoned. The
British erect Fort Pitt to secure control over the Ohio Valley.
←Forbes Expedition
↑Washington tips his hat
1758- Capture of Fort Frontenac
Located near Kingston, ON this fort was a part of the French control of the
fur trade. It was destroyed in the British siege.
1758- Siege of Louisbourg
One of the most pivotal battles in the Seven Years War, the British were able to
crush a significant French force at Louisbourg. This fort was a strong-hold for the
French colonists in North America because of its naval significance. This defeat
allowed the British to control the St. Lawrence River.
1759-Plains of Abraham (Battle of Quebec)
This battle occurred outside of the walls of Quebec City and was a massive
defeat for New France. In the battle over 10,000 troops clashed. The French
lost General Montcalm while the British lost General James Wolfe.
The death of Montcalm
The death of James Wolfe
1760- Fall of Montreal
French forces against massive odds negotiate a surrender at Montreal to
the British. This effectively ends the French threat in North America.
1763- Treaty of Paris
This treaty officially ends the Seven Years War. As a result France ends their
colonial hold in the Americas.
British Unrest with the Natives, 1763
With the defeat of the French in the Seven Year’s War new unrest emerged
between the American’s and the Native inhabitants of the Ohio Valley. The
Natives were upset that the French forfeited the Ohio Valley to the British
as a result of their loss. They didn’t feel that the French had to right to give
away their land. It was clear that the British would not treat the Natives as
equals.
Pontiac’s Revolt, 1763
Ottawa Chief Pontiac organized a confederacy to attack British forts and
settlers along Lake Erie and Huron. Over 2,000 settlers died and many
settlements were burned. In response the British attacked Native
communities and distributed blankets infected with Smallpox.
British General Amherst "You will do well to inoculate the Indians by means
of blankets, as well as every other method that can serve to extirpate this
execrable race."
The Royal Proclamation, 1763
In an attempt to settle the dispute between Native Americans and American
colonists over the Frontier, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation. This
established a boundary (proclamation line) between the 13 Colonies and Native
land.
The Proclamation outlawed private purchase of Native American land. All future
land purchases were to be made by Crown officials. Furthermore, British colonists
were forbidden to move beyond the line and settle on native lands, and colonial
officials were forbidden to grant lands without royal approval. The proclamation
gave the Crown a monopoly on all future land purchases from American Indians.
Additionally, land grants were made to British soldiers that had served in the
Seven Years War.
King George III
The Proclamation served to deeply anger American colonists. They were
demanding new land to replace the farmland that they had exhausted. This put
a strain on the colonial relationship with Britain.