The Struggle for Empire: 1702-1763

Conflict in North America during this period was largely between three groups- the French, British and Natives living along the Frontier. Most of this conflict was a result of European struggles, but in North America these struggles were for localized reasons.

Queen Anne’s War- 1702-1713

This War was also known as the ‘War of Spanish Succession’. If was being fought between the French and the British. In North America the most notorious moment was in 1704 with the Deerfield Raid. During this raid French forces aligned with the Abenakis to raid the settlement of Deerfield, Mass. In the process over 100 settlers are taken captive and marched to Montreal.

Feb. 29, 1704- The Deerfield Raid

The Seven Years War: 1756-1763

This war in North America was more commonly referred to as the French and Indian War. The main struggle here was over control of the Ohio Valley. In order for American colonists to eliminate the threat of Native raids they had to remove French support.

1754- Albany Congress

In advance of the French and Indian War delegates from 7 of the Northern 13 Colonies met in Albany to discuss a plan of union against the French threat. Despite the work of Benjamin Franklin the plan was rejected. This was one of the first attempts by the colonies to unite to protect their own interests in North America.

1754- Fort Duquesne

In an effort to secure the Ohio Valley the French built a series of forts. In 1754 they completed Fort Duquesne, located in present-day Pittsburgh.

1754- Fort Necessity

As a result of a spying mission, Virginia militia-man George Washington warned the governor of Virginia about the growing French threat. Washington was promoted and put in command of a militia regiment to counter the French threat. He built the primitive Fort Necessity. This fort fell to the superior advances of the French and Native alliance.

British Success

Despite continued harassment by French and Indian troops along the Frontier the British continued to press along the Frontier.

1758- Capture of Fort Duquesne

The British persuade the local Natives to abandon the French in exchange for British protection. When they arrive at the Fort it is already abandoned. The British erect Fort Pitt to secure control over the Ohio Valley.

←Forbes Expedition

↑Washington tips his hat

1758- Capture of Fort Frontenac

Located near Kingston, ON this fort was a part of the French control of the fur trade. It was destroyed in the British siege.

1758- Siege of Louisbourg

One of the most pivotal battles in the Seven Years War, the British were able to crush a significant French force at Louisbourg. This fort was a strong-hold for the French colonists in North America because of its naval significance. This defeat allowed the British to control the St. Lawrence River.

1759-Plains of Abraham (Battle of Quebec)

This battle occurred outside of the walls of Quebec City and was a massive defeat for New France. In the battle over 10,000 troops clashed. The French lost General Montcalm while the British lost General James Wolfe.

The death of Montcalm

The death of James Wolfe

1760- Fall of Montreal

French forces against massive odds negotiate a surrender at Montreal to the British. This effectively ends the French threat in North America.

1763- Treaty of Paris

This treaty officially ends the Seven Years War. As a result France ends their colonial hold in the Americas.

British Unrest with the Natives, 1763

With the defeat of the French in the Seven Year’s War new unrest emerged between the American’s and the Native inhabitants of the Ohio Valley. The Natives were upset that the French forfeited the Ohio Valley to the British as a result of their loss. They didn’t feel that the French had to right to give away their land. It was clear that the British would not treat the Natives as equals.

Pontiac’s Revolt, 1763

Ottawa Chief Pontiac organized a confederacy to attack British forts and settlers along Lake Erie and Huron. Over 2,000 settlers died and many settlements were burned. In response the British attacked Native communities and distributed blankets infected with Smallpox.

British General Amherst "You will do well to inoculate the Indians by means of blankets, as well as every other method that can serve to extirpate this execrable race."

The Royal Proclamation, 1763

In an attempt to settle the dispute between Native Americans and American colonists over the Frontier, King George III issued the Royal Proclamation. This established a boundary (proclamation line) between the 13 Colonies and Native land.

The Proclamation outlawed private purchase of Native American land. All future land purchases were to be made by Crown officials. Furthermore, British colonists were forbidden to move beyond the line and settle on native lands, and colonial officials were forbidden to grant lands without royal approval. The proclamation gave the Crown a monopoly on all future land purchases from American Indians. Additionally, land grants were made to British soldiers that had served in the Seven Years War.

The Proclamation served to deeply anger American colonists. They were demanding new land to replace the farmland that they had exhausted. This put a strain on the colonial relationship with Britain.

King George III