Lecture Notes: European Rivalries in North America and the French and Indian War

Major European Powers in North America

• England's Colonial Rivals:
  • France: Primary rival, father of New France is Samuel de Champlain, founded Quebec in 1608.
  • Motives for French Colonization:
    • Active in the fur trade economy, required close relations with native people.
    • Arrival of Catholic Jesuit missionaries to convert natives to Catholicism.
  • The Dutch: Small colony, engaged in trade and commerce, diverse population.
    • English take over; New Amsterdam becomes New York.
  • Spain: Sparse settlements in North America, focus is Latin America.
    • Notable Fort at St. Augustine.

Differences Among Colonies

• French, Dutch, and Spanish vs. British Colonies:
  • Fewer European settlers in French, Dutch, and Spanish colonies.
  • Extensive trade alliances with American Indians, especially in fur.
  • Intermarriage more common between French, Spanish, and Native Americans.

Early Colonial Wars

• Three Wars Prior to the French and Indian War:
  • King William's War, Queen Anne's War, King George's War.
  • Primarily fought in Europe and spread to America.
  • Focus on control of West Indies and North America.

Solitary Neglect

• British Policy:
  • Avoiding strict enforcement of laws such as the Navigation Acts due to being preoccupied.
  • Colonies largely left alone.

Expansion and Conflict

• Colonists Moving West:
  • Across Appalachian Mountains into French-claimed territory in the Ohio Valley.
  • Both British and French build forts to assert control.

The French and Indian War (Seven Years War)

• Start of the War:
  • Conflict began in 1754, initiated by George Washington against French and Native allies.
  • War known as Seven Years War in Europe.
  • Major impact on colonies and England's relationship.

Albany Plan of Union

• Meeting in 1754:
  • British wanted to coordinate war effort, promote Colonial defense.
  • Representatives from seven colonies met in Albany, NY.
  • Ben Franklin's role: Proposed Albany Plan of Union for troop coordination and tax collection. Rejected due to colonial jealousy.
  • Established a precedent for future cooperation.

Treaty of Paris 1763

• End of War and Outcomes:
  • England gains significant French territory in North America.
  • Spain acquires French territory west of the Mississippi.
  • France retains a small colony in Haiti.
  • Marked a turning point, ending solitary neglect.

Post-War Tensions and Pontiac's Rebellion

• Post-War British Policy Changes:
  • England emerged with massive debt, leading to new taxes.
  • Pontiac's Rebellion: Native American resistance against colonists encroaching on land.
• Proclamation Act of 1763:
  • Prevents colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • Creates tension between colonists and British.

Colonial and British Perspectives

• British View:

  • Disappointment in colonial contributions.
  • Expectation for colonists to help pay for war expenses.
  • End of solitary neglect, enforcement of Navigation Acts.

• Colonial View:

  • Felt they contributed to defense.
  • Wanted access to new lands.
  • Viewed British policies as violating liberties.
  • Not yet discussing independence but tensions building.

Conclusion

• Recap:
  • Tensions rising between colonies and England.
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