The Ohio Valley Conflict and Colonial Dynamics

Overview

• English and French conflict in the Ohio Valley
• Differences in colonial and personal views between English and French settlers
• The onset of colonial sentiments around 'other people's wars'

Other People's Wars

• Colonists in America, especially English, feel they're dragged into European wars
• European wars have different names in America:
  • War of Austrian Succession vs. King George's War
  • Seven Years War vs. French and Indian War
• Rising tension between English colonists and the British Crown over involvement in these wars

Colonial Expansion

English Expansion

• Virginia Land Companies:
  • Organized land speculators bringing settlers into Ohio Valley
  • Examples: Greenbrier Company, Loyal Company, Ohio Company
• Settler expansion into areas of future West Virginia
• Conflicts with Native Americans over land encroachment

French Expansion

• Focused on fur trade rather than large settlements
• Relied on alliances with Native Americans against the English
• Military forts established to support fur trade and strategic presence

Settler and Native American Conflicts

• Settler and Native American attacks over land disputes
• Story of Thomas Decker's death and Decker's Creek in Morgantown
• Small defensive forts used by settlers; some folklore associated with these
• Notable stories and figures:
  • Ann Bailey's folklore defense of a fort
  • David Morgan's prophetic dream of an attack

Key Figures

• George Washington's Early Career:
  • Began as a surveyor in western Virginia
  • Transitioned to military service, typical for younger sons without inheritance
  • His involvement in military activities during this period helped build his national reputation

French Military Strategy

• Increase in French military presence due to growing conflict with the English
• Expansion of forts around Great Lakes and Michigan
• Attempt to strengthen ties with Native Americans by opposing English land encroachments

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These notes summarize the key points covered during the discussion of the English-French conflict in the Ohio Valley, the nature of colonial expansion, and the interplay between settlers and Native Americans.

Lecture Notes: George Washington's Early Military Career

Introduction

• George Washington joins the military but initially doesn't distinguish himself.
• In 1753, Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia assigns Washington a mission to the Ohio Valley to check on French activity.

Washington's Early Assignments

• 1753 Mission:
  • Tasked to see French movements and ensure English claims.
  • French commandant asks him to leave.
• 1754 Mission:
  • Sent to present-day Pittsburgh to confront the French presence.
  • Goal: Reconnaissance and pushing out the French.

The Encounter at Jumonville Glen

• Around Uniontown, an encounter with the French occurs.
• Conflicting stories about the encounter:
  • English take French ensign Jumonville.
  • Translation issues and unclear motives.
  • Jumonville is killed, causing tension due to his brother's high rank in the French military.

Retreat and the Building of Fort Necessity

• English retreat to Virginia pursued by the French.
• Rain delays retreat; they build Fort Necessity.
• Fort Necessity is poorly constructed but holds off French until English retreat.
• Washington's reputation suffers due to the Fort Necessity event.

Redemption and Braddock's March

• 1755: Washington becomes aide-de-camp to General Braddock.
• Braddock sent to capture Fort Duquesne.
• Braddock's reliance on European military tactics unsuitable for dense forests of Pennsylvania.

The Battle and Washington's Bravery

• Native American and French surprise attack devastates Braddock's forces.
• Braddock is killed; Washington takes command.
• Washington's leadership and bravery in retreating the remaining English forces make him a hero.
• Washington emerges unscathed, leading to his growing legend and idolization.

Braddock's Burial

• To prevent enemies from desecrating Braddock's body, he is buried in the road to conceal his grave.
• Braddock's grave discovered during 1930s construction work.

Conclusion

• Washington's actions during these military campaigns set the stage for his eventual idolization and leadership roles.
• Opportunities to visit historical sites related to Washington's early military career, like Fort Necessity and Braddock's grave.

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These notes summarize the key events and developments in George Washington's early military career as discussed in the lecture. They highlight his assignments, encounters, battles, and the growth of his reputation, all of which contributed to his eventual standing as a revered figure in American history.

Lecture Notes: The French and Indian War & Proclamation of 1763

Background: Encroachments and Failures

• English attempts to move into French-claimed areas failed.
• French allied with Native Americans, strengthening their position.
• Reference to textbook for more details.

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763)

• Known as the French and Indian War in North America.
• Misconception: French and Indians are allies, not enemies.
• British vs. French and Indians.

Key Locations and Events

• Fighting concentrated in Canada, Detroit, and Pittsburgh (Three Rivers area).
• English eventually capture Fort Duquesne and rename it Fort Pitt; town named Pittsburgh.

Proclamation of 1763

• Post-war financial concerns in Britain, leading to taxation issues.
• Proclamation forbids settlement beyond the Alleghenies.
  • Justification: Unable to afford infrastructure and defense beyond the mountains.
  • Colonists in the far west instructed to move east.

Colonial Reactions

• Westerners largely ignore the proclamation, staying in place.
• Prelude to revolutionary sentiment:
  • Taxation without representation.
  • Colonial anger at imposed financial burdens.

Chapter 4 Overview: Interaction with Native Americans

• English victory impacts relations with Native Americans.
• Differences between English and Native American cultures:
  • Land Ownership:
    • Native Americans: Land is communal and spiritual.
    • English: Land can be owned and bought.
  • Government Structure:
    • English: Large, documented government.
    • Native Americans: Smaller, clan-based governance.
  • Cultural and Religious Beliefs:
    • Native Americans: Spiritual, nature-based beliefs.
    • English: Monotheistic, predominantly Protestant.
  • Gender Roles:
    • Native Americans: Matrilineal societies, women have significant influence.
    • English: Patriarchal societies.

Closing Remarks

• Differences lead to conflicts between English and Native Americans.
• This will be further explored in Chapter 4.