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The French and Indian War Was a Major Cause of the American Revolution

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At the outset of the eighteenth century, the Ohio Valley can be identified as the main catalyst in triggering open hostilities between the French and the Americans. The French occupied parts of Canada but also wanted a stake in America. Its means to do this was through the Ohio Valley it maintained. However, the colonists were bound to permeate this area in their push towards the west. And as they did, competition for the lush lands flared up and came to a breaking point. This directly lead to the French and Indian War with the Indians, for the most part, siding with the French against Britain. The events and sentiments that took place during and immediately after the French and Indian War (1754-1763) were extremely important …show more content…

When American recruits finally dribbled in, they were primitive in military customs. Some even deserted camp, and when they were seized and brought back to camp, they were whipped. British General Braddock went so far as to forewarn his soldiers of a penalty of hanging for the next that deserted him. The colonists, having always thought the British militia to be noble and indomitable, were shocked at their behavior. The almighty Redcoats were actually running and hiding in battle times when they should have proved valorous. The British were probably embarrassed too over a childish rivalry between English generals William Johnson and Governor William Shirley at Fort Albany. Competition arose because of Shirley's greed for Indian allies, and neglecting Johnson simultaneously. They immaturely wrote secret letters about each other, getting others involved and annoyed. A factor also contributing to the disappointment of the colonists is how the British consistently fought a European war instead of a new style war, particularly guerrilla warfare (based on sneak attack and using camouflage), which limited their success and sometimes determined failure. Impressment prevailed for part of the war, adding insult to outrage. Impressment refers to the British sending "press gangs" from their warships to bring in mariners to serve in the British ships. They received little to no pay, and about 900 of

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