The French and Indian War
(also known as "the Seven Years War")

This war between 1754-1763, was also known as the “Seven Year War", was a dispute between the British and French over the Ohio River Valley (see map to the right). 

Who was involved?

• British & Iroquois allies 
  
• French and Indian allies

Causes:

• Britain - Wanted to settle the region
• France - Wanted to protect their fur trade
• Both France & Britain-  Wanted to control the region

Effects of the War:

• Treaty of Paris 1763
  
• British colonies grew in size
  
• British gained Canada, all French lands east of Mississippi River except New Orleans and Spanish Florida
  
• Britain became dominant power in the Americas
  
• Spain grew in power in the Americas.
  

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The Albany Plan of Union

At the beginning of the French and Indian War, Ben Franklin calls on the colonies to unite. Franklin studied to government of the “Iroquois Nation” and used it to guide his ideas of uniting under one central power. However, most colonial leaders feared developing a government that controlled them, so the attempt failed.

Although Franklin's attempt to unite the colonies fail, it is the first time we see any attempt to unite them.  This image of the "Join or Die" snake becomes a symbol of the American Revolution years later.
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