French and Indian War Overview

In the late 1750s, the Ohio River Valley became a contested area due to its fertile land. The French aimed to connect their territories in Louisiana and Canada, while British colonies also had interests. In 1754, George Washington led a militia to claim Ohio for Virginia, sparking the French-Indian War, known in Europe as the Seven Years War. This global conflict involved major powers like France, Britain, Spain, and Russia. The British, under William Pitt, eventually gained the upper hand, capturing key forts and winning decisive battles. The 1763 Treaty of Paris redrew territorial lines, impacting Native American alliances and leading to the displacement of French colonists.

What was the primary reason for the French interest in the Ohio River Valley?

• To find gold and other resources

• To connect their territories in Louisiana and Canada

• To establish a new colony

• To build a military base

Who led the Virginia militia to claim part of the Ohio Valley in 1754?

• Benjamin Franklin

• James Madison

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the European name for the conflict known in America as the French and Indian War?

• The Hundred Years War

• The Seven Years War

• The Napoleonic Wars

• The War of Spanish Succession

Why did the British expel French residents from Acadia?

• To preemptively avoid reprisals from French colonists

• To reduce population pressure

• To prevent them from joining the French military

• To convert them to Protestantism

Which British leader took command and turned the tide of the war?

• Edward Braddock

• James Wolfe

• George Washington

• William Pitt

Which fort's capture marked a turning point for the British in the war?

• Fort Crown Point

• Fort Ticonderoga

• Fort Duquesne

• Fort Niagara

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 for France?

• France gained new territories in India

• France retained all its North American territories

• France gained control of Florida

• France ceded New Orleans and parts of Louisiana to Spain

What was the significance of Major General James Wolfe in the war?

• He negotiated the Treaty of Paris

• He was a Native American ally

• He led the British to victory at Quebec

• He was a French military leader

Which two territories did Britain gain control over after the Treaty of Paris?

• Acadia and Nova Scotia

• Louisiana and New Orleans

• Mexico and Cuba

• Florida and Canada

How did the Treaty of Paris affect Native American tribes?

• They formed a new alliance with Spain

• They were granted independence

• They lost a key ally in France

• They gained new territories