AH.H.B.1 Evaluate American identity in terms of perspective, change, and continuity
AH.B.2 Analyze the relationship of tradition and progress in terms of scientific, technological, intellectual and cultural development
AH.C&G.1 Evaluate the relationship between the American people and the government in terms of freedom, equality, and power
AH.C&G.2 Analyze the American political system in terms of conflict, compromise, and consequence
AH.E.1 Analyze the American economic system in terms of affluence, poverty, and mobility
AH.H.1 Understand the reasons for American involvement in conflicts and the domestic and foreign impacts
AH.H.3 Analyze various turning points in American history in terms of perspective, causation, and change
Causes of the French and Indian War
Hostilities between the British and French empires over economic & territorial expansion were continuous throughout the 17th & 18th centuries. Major competition for control of territory in the New World would lead to the outbreak of war between the Native Americans, British & French troops, as well as colonists. According to the policy of mercantilism the mother country would provide protection to her colonies, as the colonies economically benefitted the mother country. British and French military forts could be found throughout the interior of North America in strategic locations to protect their colonial interests. The French and Indian War was unique in that the fighting began in North America & then carried over to the rest of the world. The French and Indian War (1754–1763) would be part of a larger conflict known as the Seven Years War (1756–1763).
Both the British & French saw the benefits of the controlling the land in the Ohio River Valley, which was occupied by Native Americans of the Iroquois Nation. Native Americans wanted to maintain control of their land and traditional lifestyle as well as trade with the Europeans. As more British & French colonists moved into the area conflict over control of the land bubbled over. The French controlled land throughout the interior of North America from the port of New Orleans up to Canada and maintaining use of the Ohio River was pivotal to French communication between military forts throughout their territory. The British saw the land as a valuable resource but also as a source of capital.
Impacts of the French and Indian War
British troops sent from England to protect the colonists and maintain control of British territory would ultimately defeat the French & Native Americans maintaining control of their colonial holdings. The Treaty of Paris 1763 ended the French and Indian War. Under the treaty the French renounced control of all territory east of the Mississippi River to British control. In addition, various other land holdings traded hands to appease both sides. The war itself was long and costly for the British and led to the accruing of large debts. In addition Parliament issued the Proclamation of 1763 advising the colonists not to venture west of the Appalachian Mountains