History of the United States

History of the United States University of Cumberlands HIST 231 History of the United States Practice Essay Role of George Washington in the French and Indian War The French and Indian war took place between 1754 and 1763. The war came about as a result of the need for increased annexation of North America by the British and French colonialists. The war was triggered by the contention over the possession of Ohio River Valley. George Washington Issued an ultimatum to the French in which the French replied that their presence there could not be contested. He published an account of his experience in Ohio thereby informing the Britons and Americans of increasing French Dominance in the area.

History of the United States

As a result of the threatening French dominance, Ohio's governor called for Washington's military expedition in the area whose key role was to ensure those who resisted the presence of the Britons were killed. The French sent their military men in retaliation, and their camp was attacked by Washington's Militia men, thereby sparking off the war. However, on 1st July, 1754 French gathered their troops which ultimately outnumbered Washington's troops thereby leading to Washington's surrender (Alfred, 2004). In 1755, General Edward Braddock led his troop to attack the annexed French territory, Fort Duquesne, in the company of George Washington but they were defeated, and Edward Braddock succumbed to the war injuries. However, the war continued till 1763 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris and Britain winning over its French rival. How the War's Outcome Set the Stage for The American Revolution The French and Indian War played a significant role in catalyzing the American Revolution. Britain had become indebted as result of the war, and their Parliament resorted to imposing taxes on the colonists. There was discontentment among the colonists who consequently started initiating a breakaway from Britain. The war had weakened Britain's economy, therefore, attempts to boycott trade with Britain worked efficiently for the colonists (Anderson, 2000). Further, given French loss during the French and Indian War, French collaborated with the British colonies to reduce British influence over its colonies and the ultimate independence of America. References Alfred, A. C. (2004). The French and Indian War. Westport Conn: Greenwood Press. Anderson, F. (2000). Crucible of War: The seven Years’ War and the Fate of Empire in British North-America, 1754-1766. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. https://www.studyhelpus.com/Questions & Answers/history-of-the-united-states/