Colonial Wars of the 18th Century

Transcription

1 Colonial Wars of the 18th Century Clash of Empires: The first World Wars England vs. France an ongoing affair. See p. 95 for a complete breakdown. King William's War ( ), northern frontiers. Queen Anne's War ( ), Caribbean and northern frontiers, Treaty of Utrecht (1713) ended colonial wars for nearly three decades. In American colonies, a generation of peace and noninterference from Parliament, "Salutary Neglect." Whigs felt if colonies were left alone to run their own affairs, they would produce more wealth and cause less trouble. England would provide protection, commerce, and ensure law & order. King George's War ( ), Fighting in Acadia and Nova Scotia, Spain again allied with France against Britain. Peace Treaty of 1748, colonists were furious with concessions. Common thread throughout conflicts, origins in Europe, new world as backstage.

2 Albany Congress (1754) - A colonial attempt at unity amidst the wars Board of Trade called leaders from all the colonies to meet in Albany. Long-range purpose, greater colonial unity; strong defense against France. Albany Plan for Union - Benjamin Franklin created plan for colonial home rule (see below Franklin s political cartoon created during the French and Indian War.) How does this cartoon foreshadow things to come? Individual colonies rejected it, not enough independence, British rejected it, too much independence. The French & Indian War ( Seven Years' War) Main issue was the Ohio Valley. British were pushing west, wary of French influence In North America. French needed to retain the Ohio Valley as the link between Canada and the lower Mississippi Valley & Caribbean. England, Prussia vs. Russia, France, Austria, Spain French have upper hand until William Pitt becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain. Pitt commits military, witches, and economic resources to victory in British North America. Strategy becomes victory in North America in order to win the greater war. French finally defeated at Battle of Quebec (1760)

3 Peace of Paris (1763) France is removed from North America. Lands east of Mississippi River ceded to England, lands west of Mississippi (most importantly New Orleans) transferred to Spain. Great Britain emerged as the dominant power in N. America. Friction between the colonies and Britain British upset with lack of support from the colonies (militarily and economically.) Ridicule the role of colonials in the war. Colonies emerged from war with increased confidence in their security and military strength, settlers no longer feel completely dependent on British for protection from the French and their Indian allies. Also resentment grows over the British dismissal of colonial efforts during the war. The Struggle for the Ohio Valley Native tribes left out of the Peace Treaty Negotiations of Indian tribes are angered by cession of French lands to British (this had discounted their claim to the land.) Neolin (the Delaware Prophet), delivers a message that the white ways have corrupted the Indian, that all of the Indian people must reject the ways of whites and drive them out. Pontiac s Rebellion (May ) Chief Pontiac, of the Ottawa, leads attacks upon British forts and colonial settlements, kills thousands of settlers but cannot displace whites. With continued pressure by settlers, many Indian tribes begin to sign treaties giving up lands. Iroquois surrender claims to Ohio Valley in Treaty of Fort Stanwix, Cherokee surrender claims upper Tennessee River in Treaty of Hard Labor, 1768 (opened W. Virginia and Kentucky to settlement).

4 Proclamation of 1763 (October 7, 1763) Prohibited colonials to move west of the Appalachians. Lands west of Appalachians to be made Indian land (still subject to British claims). British aim: Settle land disputes with Indians fairly (to prevent future problems), organize settlement & defense. Colonials infuriated (veterans felt betrayed, land speculators argued that land was a birthright of British citizens).

5 Colonials generally ignored the Proclamation and settlers respond with raids into Indian country (Paxton Boys vigilante group from Western PA.).