Seven Years War / French Indian War

Historical Background

• Prior to 1756, numerous wars occurred between British and French empires, impacting their colonies.
• American colonists had prior experience with Wars of Empire, involving French, English, and sometimes Spanish.

Key Implications

• Impact on Empires:

  • France's empire nearly destroyed.
  • Britain rises, expanding its empire, benefiting from mercantilism.

• Economic Growth:

  • British mercantilist trade system, involving raw goods from colonies and manufactured goods from England.
  • This model laid the foundation for the British Industrial Revolution.

Theaters of War

• North America:
  • French and Indian War: French & Native American allies vs. British colonists.
  • Native tribes favored French due to better relations.

Mercantilism and Salutary Neglect

• Mercantilism:

  • Colonies supply raw goods; England supplies manufactured goods.
  • Special trade routes including Africa for slave labor.

• Salutary Neglect:

  • British allowed colonies self-governance due to internal strife.
  • Colonists developed unique cultural and governmental ideas.

Enlightenment Influence

• Era of Enlightenment thinkers (e.g., Locke, Montesquieu) influenced colonial governance ideas.
• American adaptation of 'natural rights' and elected governments.
• John Locke's ideas heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence.

Cultural and Social Differences

• Social mobility in colonies contrasted with rigid British aristocracy.
• Prominent figures like Paul Revere and Ben Franklin rose from humble beginnings.

Conflict Initiation

• 1754: Fort Duquesne incident ignited conflict.
• French and Indian tactics differ from European norms, ambush and guerrilla warfare common.
• Braddock's defeat and Washington's rise as a colonial hero.

War Outcomes

• Britain's Navy successful globally, but difficulties in American woodlands.
• Financial strain due to war debts; British gained territory at France’s expense.

Post-War Colonial Policies

• Britain ends Salutary Neglect, imposes direct rule, and raises taxes.
• Colonists resisted new taxes and direct rule, leading to growing tensions.

Prelude to Revolution

• Stamp Act and other taxes met with protests and boycotts.
• John Dickinson criticized British taxation without representation.
• Townshend Acts further aggravated tensions by replacing colonial governments.

Escalation to American Revolution

• Events Leading to War:

  • Boston Massacre and Tea Party highlighted colonial discontent.
  • Direct British control perceived as oppressive.

• American War of Independence:

  • Continuation of global power struggles, involving France and Prussia.

Conclusion

• The Seven Years War set the stage for American independence by altering power dynamics and exposing cultural divides.
• Literature from Edmund Burke and others highlights the growing awareness and pushback against British policies.