Why Was the French and Indian War Fought?
Quick Answer
The French and Indian War, an extension of the Seven Years War in Europe, was fought over land claims. Beginning with a dispute between British and French colonists over the Ohio River Valley, it became a struggle for all the North American territories east of the Mississippi.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
In 1756, because of French incursions into the Ohio River Valley, Great Britain declared war on France. Although England had more colonists in North America, France formed various alliances with Native Americans. In the early stages of the war, the British had a number of setbacks. However, William Pitt, the British prime minister, helped to fund the war effort, hiring Prussians to fight in Europe and the colonists to fight in the New World. In 1758 and 1759, the British won major victories, and the French were forced to leave Canada. Although Spain entered the war on the side of France, it was not able to prevent ultimate British victory.
On Feb. 10, 1763, Great Britain, France and Spain signed the Treaty of Paris, which gave Great Britain all the North American mainland east of the Mississippi, including French Canada and Spanish Florida. France was allowed to keep the two Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe and the islands of Miquelon and San Pierre in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Spanish regained Cuba from the British and received New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana from the French.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Was the Last Major Battle of the French and Indian War?
A: The last major battle of the French and Indian War was the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, also known as the Battle of Quebec. It took place on Sept. 13, ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Who Fought in the French and Indian War?
A: The two main players in the French and Indian War were Great Britain and France, each of which owned significant portions of land in the New World. During ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Which Country Gained All Land East of the Mississippi River, Including Canada, After the French and Indian War?
A: Great Britain received the vast majority of land east of the Mississippi River, including Canada, after the end of the French and Indian War. The city of N... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Are Three Major Effects of the French and Indian War?
A: The beginning of major hostilities between the American colonists and Great Britain, the displacement of Native American tribes and the destabilization of ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What Recent Charter Has Been Alleged to Limit the Freedom of the Press?
-
Q:
Where Were the Sioux Indians Located?
-
Q:
What Were the Charges Behind Bill Clinton's Impeachment?
-
Q:
What Was the Purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?
-
Q:
What Type of Clothing Did the Ho-Chunk Tribe Wear?
-
Q:
Where Did Alexander Graham Bell Live?
