RE - The French and Indian War and its Aftermath Lesson

The French and Indian War and its Aftermath

The French and Indian War was a pivotal event in the relationship between Britain and the 13 Colonies in America. The British had defeated France and taken most of her colonial possessions (including Canada). Britain now stood as the most powerful nation in the world, although one that was deeply in debt.

To raise revenue and save money, several measures were taken. To prevent future conflicts with the American Indians (such as Pontiac's Rebellion) in the western lands, the Proclamation of 1763 was issued. This forbade colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, thus reducing the risk of future conflict between colonists and American Indians. In response, many colonists protested as they felt it was not fair to prohibit settlement in the key area that the war was fought over. Some moved west anyway in defiance of the Proclamation. Britain felt that the colonists should bear some of the costs of the French and Indian War, since British blood and treasure was used to protect them. They began to institute a series of taxes and to enforce the Navigation Acts more stringently. The colonists, unused to taxes and enjoying "salutary neglect", protested. They felt that they had contributed to the war effort as well, and that they should not be taxed by the British Parliament since they were not allowed to elect representatives to it.

In preparation for participation in the discussion, you will want to review the information in the Key Concepts pages on the French and Indian War as well as the information on it in the Readings Document. View the following presentation on the French and Indian War and its aftermath. You may also want to read the "Road to Revolution" from Digital History. Links to an external site.

 

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