The War That Made America

Albina Hoxha

HIST 4319

June 18th, 2008

French and Indian War

The War That Made America

From The British prospective

The French and Indian War also known as the Sevens’ Year War, is the war that made America. It was fought not only in America, but also in India and Africa where France and Great Britain had established colonies. This war was about dominating the North America. The French and the British were fighting each other but it was the Indians who would decide who win this war. The French were trading with the Indians for over a century therefore many Indians supported the French. The British were not welcomed by the Indians because they did not come to trade like the French, instead the British occupied territories. The Indians knew they could not fight neither empire on their own so many stayed neutral planning to pick whichever side won the war.

The Native Indians had been living in the new world for centuries. North America was rich in land and many people wanted to come over to make money. Great Britain thought they would find gold in North America and they sent gentlemen to look for gold. When the British arrived, the Indians did not welcome them because they felt threatened by them, and also because they wanted to settle down. After weeks of searching for gold, the British started building shelters so Great Britain send troops and food to support them. Settling down was tough for the British because they were in an unknown land between two enemies. If Great Britain did not send help to them, probably we would be speaking French.

The French had set up trading posts around the Great Lakes and Canada and had a peaceful relationship with the Indians. The British settled along the Atlantic coast and the Indians were in the middle. The Ohio River Valley became a conflict because the French and British empires wanted to control it meanwhile the Indians claimed the Ohio River Valley as their homeland.

July 4th 1754 was when the French attacked the British while they were building a post. The British wanted to attack them in the Ohio country. Both empires prepared for it and got troops and support. The British army was headed at Fort Bouquet to fight the French. The British prepared for this battle and had way more troops then the French however, they did not have the support of the Indians which was the hey to victory. The Indians were working with the French and were keeping an eye on the British army. When they saw how big it was, the French and Indians decided to attack them in the woods before they got there while they were unprepared. This was a deadly battle ending only after three hours. The French and Indians lost only twenty one while the British lost nearly one thousand. The British General was wounded in this battle and died soon after.

A British messenger named Smith was captured by the Indians and handed to the French. He was a prisoner and was later got adapted by the Indians and lived with them for six years. The Indians captured many British people as a way of revenge. They captured women, children, men, and whoever they could find. The Indians killed most of them and took their hair and other belongings.

Both Empires were determined to win this was because the winner would rule North America, which was the most important place at that time. It was compared to the Roman Empire. Great Britain was really determined to win this war and they sent over a new general named William Johnson. He had a new strategy and wanted to attack the French from three different places. On the other hand, George Washington wanted to persuasive the Indians to get on their side however, most Indians refuse to brake their neutrality. Johnson married an Indian women and had many mixed race children. The British made a treaty to make peace with the Indians promising them not to take land pass west of the Alighting mountains and the Indians agreed.

It had seemed like the British were loosing to the French and many people were concerned. In one battle, the British lost two thousand ,men while the French lost three-four hundred. One colonist suggested a way to approach the French in Front Fortinac, and this was the first fall of the French to the British. The fall of Lewis Burg turned the war around. While Great Britain kept on sending support to North America, the French were busy seeking a European victory.

The Western Front was in Pittsburg Pennsylvania and that is where George Washington