COMPETITION FOR

AMERICA

World Rivals• By the early 1700’s, France and England

were fighting for control of the Ohio River Valley.

• Losing this area would hurt both sides economically and politically.

British Advantages

• 13 colonies had militias which could organize quickly.

• The colonies were self supporting (did not have to rely on Britain)

French Advantages

• Had a single government to make decisions.

• The 13 colonies argued (governors and assemblies).

• Both sides had Indians join them.

Early Confrontation• In 1754, the British sent Colonel George

Washington to lead the Virginia militia to drive the French out of the Ohio River Valley.

• After failing to do this, Washington surrendered and was sent back to Virginia.

• He told the British that the French planned on controlling the land west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Albany Plan• Washington’s defeat showed one colony could

not defeat the French.• Benjamin Franklin proposed the “Albany Plan

of Union”• Proposed that the colonies cooperate in

fighting the French.

Albany Plan• Parliament and local assemblies rejected the

plan. • They were afraid of losing their local control.• This was the first attempt by the colonies to

unite for a common goal.

French and Indian War• After some early failures, the British won

the war and the colonies remained part of England.

Treaty of Paris- 1763• Ended the French and Indian War.

• France lost almost all its land in North America to England.

War’s Impact on the Colonies• It forced them to work together as

never before.• Many colonists saw lands on the

Western Frontier that they had never seen before. Made them want to move there.

• The war experience created a new group of colonial leaders (like George Washington).

• England became the most powerful country in the world.

Problems of Empire• Proclamation of

1763- Issued by King George III. Banned colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains.

• Wanted to keep them out of Indian territory.

Problems of Empire• But the most significant impact the war

had was that Britain went into debt in order to pay for the war.

• They decided to have the colonies help pay off this debt.