CHAPTER 4: SECTION 3FRANCE AND BRITAIN CLASH

BRITISH-FRENCH RIVALRY

By the 1700s, Britain and France were the two strongest powers in Europe Had a long and bitter rivalry which caused

unpleasant feelings between British and French colonists in America

Britain decided to expand and explore the Ohio River Valley, but French traded there and considered it their territory British set up a fort at Pickawillany but French

immediately attacked it and drove the British out

NATIVE AMERICANS TAKE SIDES

French and British knew that Native American help would make the biggest difference in who would be victorious The side that received the best trade terms from

NA and the most help in the war would probably win control of North America

French were on better terms with the NA 1) had not been interested in taking over NA land,

only in fur trade

2) French trappers and traders often married NA women and followed their customs

British- up until this point, mainly focused on taking over NA land

In past wars between Britain and France, NA often helped the French by raiding British settlements

THE IROQUOIS CONFEDERACY

The Iroquois Confederacy, the most powerful group of Native Americans in the East, included five nations- the Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oneida. Managed to remain independent by trading with

both the British and the French

Eventually gave trading rights to the British and reluctantly became their allies. Decisive step which resulted in upsetting the

balance between the French and British

AMERICAN COLONISTS TAKE ACTION

In 1753, a governor sent a planter and surveyor named George Washington into the Ohio country to tell the French that they were trespassing and demand they leave

Delivered the message but the French did not leave

Washington was made a lieutenant colonel and was sent back with a militia- a group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies Established a small post called Fort Necessity

Washington attacked the French but were forced to surrender

In spite of his defeat, the colonists regarded Washington as a hero who struck the first blow against the French

THE ALBANY PLAN OF UNION

Representatives from New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland me to discuss the threat of war Met in Albany, New York

Wanted to 1) find a way for the colonies to defend themselves against the French and 2) hoped to persuade the Iroquois to take their side against the French- plan became known as the Albany Plan- put forth by Benjamin Franklin

The Albany Plan failed as it was rejected by every colonial assembly