Economic Misunderstandings: The French And Indian War

The French and Indian War, also called the Seven Years’ War, lasted nine years (1754-1763) and was centered around the Ohio Valley, northwest of the British Colonies. Although the official declaration of war wasn’t until 1756 small battles began to take place as American forces tried to take an important French fort called Fort Duquesne. As attempts failed and a stalemate settled over the area, Britain decided that instead of going directly to war with France, they would have a war in America, because after all, it was a war over land, power, and raw resources in America. The French and Indian War was a major historical event that brought out underlying conflicts and major differences between the Americans and British that ultimately marked
Although colonists had united to raise a militia to fight the French, the British insisted on using British troops and having British Generals in command. Before the 1700’s, British involvement with the colonies was minor which allowed individual colonies to practice their own politics and trade international without regulations. Many generals remarked of the inferiority of Americans and their rude actions and behavior towards British officials. This was a start of many political and economic misunderstandings that caused a backfire to the British that ultimately damaged their empire, their economic standings, and their overall reputation. The war also created an environment that fostered the want for Americans to be equal to English citizens and have the same rights. These views and mindsets encouraged major political philosophies to begin to form, further shaping the American identity of civil rights, liberty, and republicanism. An important factor that separated the Seven Years’ War from other wars between the British and French, was that it was fought in America, thus involving colonial militia and drawing out the major flaws that the British either underestimated or didn’t take into consideration. For example, British subjects didn’t realize the difference between the colonies and England, and the political and economical structure that had formed over the last century in the colonies. By overlooking these important factors, such as the colonies having Assemblies, a democratic form of local government, and controlling international affairs, England underestimated the will of the people and the power of the