Key Points from the Lecture on the French and Indian War and its Aftermath

Causes of the French and Indian War

British Expansion: The British began to expand into the Ohio River Valley (ORV), an area also claimed by the French.
Fort Duquesne: The French established Fort Duquesne in the ORV, leading to tensions.
George Washington's Role: Washington was sent to the ORV and built Fort Necessity, which was quickly besieged by the French, leading to his surrender.
War Declaration: Washington’s defeat led the British to declare war, starting the French and Indian War.

Proclamation of 1763: Restricted settlers from moving west to avoid conflicts with the Spanish.
War Debt: The war resulted in a significant debt of £133.
New Taxes: The British imposed new taxes on goods such as tea, coffee, and fabric.
Territorial Gains: Britain acquired French territories and control of the Mississippi River.

Sugar Act: Taxed foods like molasses, coffee, wine, and clothing fabric; restricted foreign goods through the Boston port.
Quartering Act: Allowed troops to take supplies from homes without permission.
Stamp Act: Required stamps on all shipped goods like newspapers, wills, and land titles.

Stoning Tax Collectors: Included throwing tar/feathers or stones as a form of protest.
Boston Tea Party: Protest against the Tea Act; tea dumped into the harbor as a demonstration.
Boycotting: Refusal to buy British goods to protest new tax laws.
Petitions and Smuggling: Signed petitions against taxes and smuggled goods to bypass restrictions.

Port Closure: Boston port closed to punish citizens post-Boston Tea Party; only Boston-made goods allowed.
Abolishment of Massachusetts Legislature: Gave the Governor extensive powers; mirrored oppressive British laws.
Strengthened Quartering Act: Led to increased smuggling for needed supplies.
Continental Congress: Convened in Philadelphia, 1774; demanded repeal of Intolerable Acts and trained militias, leading to the Battle of Concord.

The French and Indian War and the subsequent British policies played a pivotal role in shaping the early tensions that eventually led to the American Revolution.