The French and Indian War

The French and Indian War was fought in North America from 1754 to 1763. Britain and France both wanted to control the land west of the Appalachian Mountains. Native American groups fought on both sides. The war ended with a British victory, and France lost most of its land in North America. This war also helped plant the seeds for the American Revolution.

Fighting in the Wilderness

The war was fought in the forests and frontier areas of North America. British soldiers were used to fighting in open fields, so the thick forests were a challenge. French soldiers and their Native American allies knew the land better. They used surprise attacks and fought from behind trees. A young officer named George Washington fought in some of the early battles of the war.

The Results of the War

Britain won the war in 1763. France gave up almost all its territory in North America. Britain now controlled Canada and the land east of the Mississippi River. But the war was very expensive. Britain tried to make its American colonies pay higher taxes to cover the cost. The colonists were angry about these taxes, which helped lead to the American Revolution just a few years later.

Fun Facts

• George Washington was only 22 years old when he fought in his first battle of this war.
• Benjamin Franklin drew a famous cartoon of a cut-up snake with the words 'Join, or Die' to encourage the colonies to unite.
• The war is called the Seven Years' War in Europe, but in North America it is called the French and Indian War.

Did You Know?

The French and Indian War taught American colonists how to fight and work together, skills they would use later in the American Revolution!