The French and Indian War

The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War, was caused by rising tensions between French and British settlers.   The French’s new found interest in the Ohio River Valley gave way to British colonists’ anger about the miniscule amount of land they had to colonize.   Also, rising tensions between the British and Native Americans benefitted the French in their quest for land.   The French and Indian War altered relations between Britain and its American colonies politically, economically, and ideologically through larger British involvement in America, increased taxation, and a stronger desire for colonial independence.
Judging from the French and Indian War, Britain believed that the colonies were not able to defend themselves.   In order to maintain their colonies, the British sent over a large part of its army to defend against the French and allied Native Americans such as the Iroquois.   They fought against the French and Native Americans over (Doc. A+ B) the land of the Ohio River Valley.   However, the British armies and the colonial militia did not get along well.   In fact, the British army thought the militia dirty and untrained, contrasting with their red coats and lined drills.   While some colonists, such as George Washington, thought it a privilege to serve with the British army, (Doc. C) others resented it.   Militiamen were not accustomed to the long enlistment periods (Doc. D) and the strict obedience expected by the British officers.   Conversely, Britain knew they were needed in the colonies because of the many lost battles during the War such as George Washington’s failure and surrender at Great Meadows.   The British began sending more soldiers to keep order in the colonies as well as suspending certain colonial assemblies deemed unfit to govern.
Economically, the French and Indian War caused increased taxation in the American colonies.   The casualties of the War included many deaths, a disruption of farming, and an overall cost of... [continues]

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