The Outcome of the War
Essential Question:
By 1758, the British claimed the lands of the Ohio River Valley region. Fighting continued for five more years. In 1763, the French surrendered and ceded (gave up) all lands and territories in North America to the British. The British had won the war.
Even though the French and Indian War had ended, new tensions formed. In April 1763, the Native Americans responded to the British rule in the Ohio River Valley region. Native American nations joined forces to drive the British off their land. This conflict was called Pontiac’s War.
Around this time, some colonists expressed discontent with the British monarchy and rule. War was expensive and the colonists were being asked to pay high taxes. They recognized the need to separate from the British government.
The British debt was high. England had spent a lot of money on the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s War. The king did not want to risk any more attacks, so the Proclamation of 1763 was issued in October. The king declared that all land west of the Allegheny Mountains was reserved for the Native Americans. This upset the American colonists and they decided to move into the Ohio River Valley anyway. A new nation was starting to emerge and a rebellion of the American colonists was on the horizon.
In today’s lesson, you learned:
- Who fought in the French and Indian War
- Why the French and British fought in the French and Indian War
- How British troops moved west to claim the Ohio River Valley
- Who won the French and Indian War
- What happened to Native American lands pre and post-war
- Why the colonists grew dissatisfied with British rule post-war
Share three facts that you find most interesting about this story with a partner or family member and remember, there is always more to learn about the fascinating history of our nation!
