The FRENCH AND INDIAN War (The Seven Years' War) [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 2] Period 3: 1754-1800

French and Indian War: Causes and Effects

Introduction to the Topic

• The video introduces Unit 3 of the AP U.S. History curriculum, covering the period from 1754 to 1800, starting with the French and Indian War.

• The speaker encourages viewers to utilize additional resources for better understanding and exam preparation.

Misconceptions about the War

• Clarifies that the conflict was not between the French and Indians but rather between the British and French, with American Indian groups allied with both sides.

Overview of Causes

• The French and Indian War is framed as part of a larger global conflict known as the Seven Years' War, which involved territorial disputes in North America.

• British colonists were encroaching on land in the Ohio River Valley claimed by France, leading to tensions.

Key Figures and Events

• Introduces George Washington as a Lieutenant Colonel sent by Virginia's governor to warn the French about their claims in Ohio; his initial encounter ended unfavorably.

• Washington led a surprise attack on Fort Duquesne in 1754 but faced subsequent defeat when a larger French force reclaimed it.

Albany Congress

• Prior to Washington's defeat, delegates met at the Albany Congress to discuss colonial defense against French aggression; they sought alliances with American Indians but did not fully engage them.

• American Indians allied with European powers hoping to maintain control over their lands amidst ongoing conflicts between these nations.

Benjamin Franklin's Proposal

• Benjamin Franklin introduced his Albany Plan of Union at this congress, proposing a council for collective decision-making regarding defense and expansion; however, it was ultimately rejected due to taxation concerns.

Early Struggles of British Colonists

• Initially, British forces struggled against well-prepared French troops during early battles of the war.

Growing Colonial Resentment

• As war progressed globally, Britain imposed unpopular policies such as impressment of American men into naval service and quartering troops in colonial homes without consent—factors contributing to lasting resentment among colonists.

Conclusion of Conflict

Consequences of the French and Indian War

Territorial Changes and Colonial Expansion

• The French and Indian War resulted in significant territorial changes, including Spain ceding Florida to Britain and the removal of the French from North America.

• The Spanish gained control over former French territories west of the Mississippi River, while all land east of the Mississippi, particularly the Ohio River Valley, was granted to Britain.

Impact on American Colonists

• With British control over the Ohio River Valley, American colonists began migrating westward, leading to increased conflicts with Native Americans.

• Pontiac, an Ottawa leader, responded to colonial encroachment by leading raids against settlers in Detroit and other military forts in Virginia and Pennsylvania.

British Response: Proclamation Line of 1763

• In response to rising tensions with Native Americans, British Parliament established the Proclamation Line of 1763 which prohibited colonists from moving west across the Appalachian Mountains.

• Despite this prohibition, many colonists disregarded it, believing they were entitled to land due to their sacrifices during the war.

Economic Consequences for Britain

• The war significantly increased Britain's national debt—approximately doubling it—and raised costs associated with managing its colonies five-fold.