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Unit 2: Chapters 6-9 Topics 1. French and Indian War 2. American Revolution 3. Declaration of Independence 4. Articles of Confederation 5. Constitution of 1787 and Bill of Rights French and Indian War 1754-1763 preceded by King William’s, Queen Anne’s, King George’s (Jenkins Ear with Spanish) Causes / Background Territorial conflict in the Ohio Valley between French and British colonists The French wanted to connect Canada / Detroit, with Louisiana, New Orleans The British didn’t want to be hemmed in to the East Coast – wanted to be able to expand West Also, world wide conflict between Britain and France (7 Years War) spilled over into North America (French and Indian War) Albany Congress, 1754: the British govt. persuaded the colonies to meet to discuss the approaching war – to discuss unified, combined efforts 7 Colonies sent delegates to Albany - Penn, Maryland, N.Y. and the 4 New Eng colonies (4 in New Eng Confederation: 7 unwillingly in the Dominion): Main goals were to: – renew the treaty with the Iroquois - to keep them on the British side – organize collective defensive efforts But they also began discussing the formation of some kind of permanent colonial federation In his Albany Plan, Franklin proposed that they set up, "one general government" for all the colonies, each of which would "retain its present constitution" except for certain powers to be granted to the general government - such as the authority to govern all relations with the Indians The delegates voted in favor, but then had to bring the proposal back to the Colonial Assemblies for approval Before going to Albany, Ben Franklin had promoted the idea in the Pennsylvania Gazette (1754) with a cartoon of a snake divided into 13 parts, each piece representing a colony - "Join or Die” (used later during the Am Rev in 1776 to also promote unity) But the colonies were too apprehensive of giving up any of their cherished individual powers: rejected the Plan British govt. also rejected the Plan – felt permanent unity would give the colonies too much power / independence (to the Colonies it reduced their individual power, to the British it increased collective colonial power) French and Indian War (lasted the best part of 9, rather than 7 yrs) Phase 1 British losses at Fort Necessity (Washington). British colonies get little assistance from British govt. Losses by inept British Gen. Braddock Gains for French and Indians Phase 2. From 1756: French and British Government took more interest in North America 1757, Prime Minister William Pitt took charge of managing the War (the "Organizer of Victory") – his main goal was to capture French Canada - Quebec and Montreal – failed He also felt that the Colonies did not contribute enough to the war efforts, so he introduced – Impressment (forced enlistment / draft) – Requisitioning (mandatory food supply) – Quartering Colonists resented these policies / outside interference in their colonies – felt their rights as Englishmen were being threatened – led to riots….near Civil War….Pitt’s policies were counter-productive Phase 3 After 1758 Pitt stopped his unpopular policies Colonies responded with a more intense effort British sent more troops, more competent generals – led to more success Some dishonorable acts included dispersing population of Acadia (Nova Scotia) and offering Scalp Bounties (“dishonorable”) British focused on capture of French Canada: succeeded in taking Louisburg, Duquesne, Quebec (Amherst and Wolfe), and finally Montreal…led to French surrender and end of war Peace of Paris, 1763 (don’t confuse with Treaty of Paris of 1783) – French gave British some of West Indies, India, all of Canada, all French territory east of the Mississippi: – New Orleans and lands west of the Mississippi went to Spain (reward for help against Britain) Thus France surrendered all title to the mainland of North America – end of French empire More important, the War altered the relationship between Britain and the colonies Altered Relationship / new perspective of Britain towards Colonies British 1. Had more territory to control and defend in Nth Am 2. Had a huge debt from financing the war 3. Resented the attitude of the Colonists during most of the war; felt they – Didn’t contribute much financially – Fought badly – guerilla warfare – Many merchants continued to trade with the French / French West Indies: “Treasonable trade” – Complained about their rights as Englishmen but accepted none of the responsibilities these factors combined to persuade British leaders that a reorganization of the empire was needed, giving Britain increased authority over the colonies New King, George III (1760), and his Prime Minister, Grenville would try to introduce new policies: New Imperialism – more control, less neglect….end salutary neglect Altered Perspective / changed Relationship of Colonies towards Britain (and each other) Colonies 1. Saw the value of co-operation with each other –were more receptive to the idea – and realized how much they had in common (language, traditions) 2. More sensitive than ever to violations of their Civil Rights and Liberties 3. Realized that the British soldiers were somewhat incompetent - “shattered / ended the myth of British Invincibility” – also resented their arrogance, denying Colonists rank above Captain 4. Felt that they were now free to move West; no longer needed British to defend them – the French and Indian threat was gone… “a new spirit of independence arose” The French and Indian War had profound effects on the relationship between the British Govt. and the British Colonies Each perceived themselves and the other side differently after the war was over Each had different goals now that it was over: Britain wanted more control, Colonies wanted more independence……….this clash was one of the main causes of the American Revolution